Thank you for everything you’ve done with the Chicago Bears, Zach Miller

Zach Miller dislocated his knee in the loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The future of his career is in doubt. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the effort and heart that he played with every week.

Zach Miller joined the Chicago Bears on December 30, 2013 when he signed a reserve/futures contract. He has battled injuries ever since, with his healthiest season coming in 2015. He has always been a player that has flashed great play-making ability but just couldn’t stay healthy.

In the loss to the New Orleans Saints, Zach Miller dislocated his left knee on what should have been a 25-yard touchdown. I really do not want to show you the replay of the actual injury. I am sure you saw it, but if not it will not be hard to find.

Mitch Trubisky threw a great pass, and it was a great catch by Miller. Apparently, the referees believe that, upon review, Miller did not maintain possession of the ball.

Miller is now 33 years old, and he is in the last year of his contract with the Chicago Bears. I really doubt that  he will play another down in the NFL. It is really sad, since he is such a nice person and teammate. So, if this is the end, thank you, Zach Miller!

Now, let’s see how Miller is progressing in his recovery.

Updates on Miller’s recovery

We all woke up to some very scary news on Monday morning. I have never met Miller in my life, yet I could not stop thinking about him. I know a lot of us were praying for him. To never play football again is one thing, but to not be able to enjoy his life is another. I could not imagine him not being able to play with his children the way he wants to.

The good news is that the surgery was successful. The surgeons in New Orleans were able to take a vein out of the uninjured leg and put it in the hurt leg.

Just to show you how great of a person Zach Miller is, personnel from the Jacksonville Jaguars (whom he played with from 2009-2012) were also concerned.

Miller still has a ways to go as far as recovery is concerned. When he will return back to Chicago remains a question. With a knee injury like his, flying back to Chicago is not ideal because he needs to avoid altitude.

Now, I would also like to show some of Miller’s best career moments with the Chicago Bears.

Here are a few of many highlights Miller had with the Chicago Bears

This first highlight was Miller’s one-handed, game-winning touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in 2015. The concentration Miller had on this play was superb.

Miller had a 107-yard performance with two touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams, in 2015. Here is the first touchdown. You can hear the broadcaster say that Miller was staring at the big screen to make sure he was not going to be chased down from behind.

Here is Miller’s second touchdown. It was a great play design by then-offensive coordinator Adam Gase. Miller acted like he was blocking on the play but sneaked past the defenders for an easy touchdown. He had five catches that day against the Rams.

In 2016, Miller caught a touchdown from Brian Hoyer against the Detroit Lions. This helped the Chicago Bears pick up their first victory of the season. It was a simple out route by Miller, but he makes it look simple. He has always been a tremendous route runner.

Miller also had a nice game in 2016 against the New York Giants. Miller broke his foot in this game, which is a shame because he was having a great game. I always love the various touchdown celebrations Miller has, too.

Here was a nice catch down the middle by Miller, who showed great concentration and use of his hands. He was able to outstretch his arms to make the play.

Like I said earlier, Miller has had many highlights over the course of his career. It is too hard to show them all.

His presence on the field will be missed. He is a veteran player that is looked up to in the locker room.

I hope that the Chicago Bears give him a gig on their television network, similar to what they gave  Anthony Adams and Lance Briggs. Miller is a very good speaker and has a great football mind, from what I have seen.

Next: Why Deshaun Watson’s success has absolutely nothing to do with Mitch Trubisky

All of us at Da Windy City wish him a speedy recovery.