Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller posted a 17 second video to Instagram on Sunday that showed him slowly taking his first steps without the assistance of crutches six weeks and eight surgeries after a horrific leg injury.
The 33-year-old football tight end had emergency surgery in order to save the left leg he injured on the October 29 game against the New Orleans Saints.
He badly hurt his knee after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a touchdown pass during the third quarter. Miller dislocated his knee and tore the popliteal artery.
After eight surgeries, he feels ‘like a million bucks.’
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller posted a 17 second video to Instagram on Sunday that showed him slowly taking his first steps
Miller had emergency surgery in order to save the left leg he injured on the October 29 game against the New Orleans Saints. He said he feels ‘like a million bucks’
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (No. 86) injures his leg as he attempts to haul in a touchdown pass. Miller appeared to release the ball because he was in intense pain
Miller needed emergency vascular surgery to repair an artery and save his left leg
The first surgery was aimed at repairing an artery in Miller’s leg, and required grafting tissue be removed from his right leg in order to repair the damage to the artery. The procedure was performed in New Orleans by vascular surgeons after the Bears’ 20-12 loss to the Saints.
Miller first returned to the Bears training center last Monday. He said that he has started bending his injured knee and has kept himself busy by playing video games, according to USA Today.
He is currently on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. He does not yet know if he will return to the NFL.
‘I haven’t really told anybody yes or no, whether that’s a definitive thing for me,’ Miller said on the Dan Patrick Show. ‘I haven’t been told “no.” I’ve actually been told “yes” by a number of doctors. For me, it’s, “We’ll cross that road when it comes time.”‘
It was the latest in a long line of tough injuries for Miller. After making a career-high 47 catches in 2016, he missed the final six games with a fractured foot. He did not play in any game from 2012 through 2014, primarily due to foot and shoulder issues.
The surgery required tissue from an artery in Miller’s right leg be used on his left leg
Miller, 33, nearly hauled in what would have been a 25-yard touchdown reception
Zach Miller (No. 86) of the Chicago Bears is helped off the field after sustaining an injury during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints
Zach Miller (No. 86) holds his leg as he is carted off the field following his injury during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday