Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller nearly lost his leg due to a horrific knee injury he suffered against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. Now, more than a month afterward, Miller has opened up about his traumatic experience.
In a video posted to YouTube by the Bears, Miller reveals he knew his injury was severe and begged the surgeons in the trauma center to, “Save my leg, please.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONpBMFPc1g&feature=youtu.be
Miller said he knew his knee was in bad shape almost immediately when he felt it pop, though he said he didn’t feel any pain initially. Miller told the head trainer while he was on the field, “My knee is gone, bro.”
He gave special credit to one assistant trainer, Sid Dreyer, his “hero.” Dryer “took the bull by the horns” to ensure Miller did keep his leg.
Miller said that the worst aspect of his recovery were the first few days when he was wrestling with questions of why and how it happened. Miller also said one of the special relationships he forged through his ordeal was with a young man, a high school quarterback, Alex Ruiz, who actually did lose his leg in an injury very similar to his.
“That could be me … if I didn’t have the care that I had,” Miller said. “He’s a special kid. he gets me through every day. He told me he’s not going to let it ruin his life.”
During the interview, Miller got very emotional talking about the care his wife has given to him since the injury. He also said that this experience has opened his eyes to the fact that many people around the world haven’t been able to get the kind of care he was blessed to have.
At this time it’s unknown what the future might hold for Miller, but he’s clearly at peace with whatever it might be.