It’ll have been worth the wait, but Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller is finally returning home after spending a little more than a week in a New Orleans hospital after undergoing surgery that saved his left leg.
The 33-year-old tight end expressed his gratitude to teammates, coaches, fans, and the Bears organization among others for support, as well as the University of New Orleans medical staff for their work in ensuring a successful surgery.
Here is the note he shared on Twitter in full:
With All My Love pic.twitter.com/khIgeJ5pq3
— Zach Miller (@ZMiller86) November 6, 2017
Miller was injured trying to haul in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Mitch Trubisky during the third quarter of the team’s 20-12 loss against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. The injury was so horrifying, Head Coach John Fox has refused to watch replays. Miller was visited by Bears teammates, as well as Saints players in an ultimate sign of sportsmanship.
As for the Bears, they seemed fortunate to be on a bye for Week 9 because it was apparent the team’s thoughts were on Miller, his injury, and his recovery process. To be fair, you can’t blame them. Miller was clearly more than just a key cog in the offensive game plan. He was a popular teammate and a locker room leader who’s overcome one injury related adversity after another to get to where he is today.
With Miller being in a better situation a week after surgery, all parties can breathe a little easier now. Though, Miller still has a long road to travel to ensure he recovers fully and lives a normal post-injury life. If there is one thing can be made certain, it’s that he has the support – and let it be known that he has felt it during a time of need.