A little more than a week after undergoing emergency vascular surgery to save his leg, Zach Miller is coming home.
The Bears tight end, who suffered a dislocated knee that also included a torn popliteal artery Oct. 29 against the New Orleans Saints, has been at University Medical Center New Orleans with his wife, Kristin, since that serious injury. On Monday afternoon, Miller released a heartfelt statement on Twitter announcing he'd be returning to Chicago:
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"My wife Kristin and I are so incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and support that we have received from our family, friends, the McCaskey family and the Chicago Bears organization, fans and the many players, coaches and staff from around the NFL. Your well wishes have been extremely humbling and comforting.
“A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Bowen, Dr. Michael Corcoran, the Bears medical team and the Bears athletic training staff, as well as University Medical Center of New Orleans vascular surgeons Dr. Malachi Sheahan and Dr. Bruce Torrance, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Hartman. Without their teamwork, expertise and urgent care I do not know if the outcome would have been as successful.
“Also, a huge thank you to the nursing staff who have went above and beyond to take care of me during my stay at UMC. We have cleared many hurdles and with the help of our team doctors and training staff we will continue to progress. I cannot wait to get back to Chicago today to see my children and give them the biggest hug ever!
“I understand the challenges ahead, but the amount of love and support I have from all of you is beyond inspiring. I thank God everyday for this life! I ask for your continued prayers and blessings! You are the best family, friends and fans in the world! I have been down before and I will do whatever it takes to get back up!
“I love you all, Z”