Eight days after suffering a dislocated knee that required immediate vascular surgery, Bears tight end Zach Miller released a statement Monday via social media.
Miller sustained a torn popliteal artery in his left leg Oct. 29 in a loss to the Saints while catching an apparent 25-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell Trubisky that was later reversed to an incomplete pass following a controversial replay review.
Bears tight end Zach Miller runs after a catch against the Panthers.
Miller was scheduled to be released from the University Medical Center New Orleans Monday and return home to Chicago. Here's what he wrote in his statement:
"My wife Kristen 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 every day 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."
