Bears TE Zach Miller thanks doctors, fans in emotional tweet
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller thanked everyone from fans to doctors Monday as he was about to be released from a New Orleans hospital after having surgery following an ugly injury against the Saints on Oct. 29.
Miller had emergency surgery the night he was injured to repair a torn popliteal artery in his left leg. He had another surgery Tuesday and is expected to have more surgeries once he returns to Chicago.
More: High schooler had similar injury as Zach Miller and now plays with prosthetic leg
"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," Miller wrote.
"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 Heartman. 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 our 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 prayer 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
Earlier in the week, Kristen Miller posted on Facebook that he was recovering and in good spirits.
The 33-year-old dislocated his left knee during the Bears’ 20-12 loss to the Saints, which led to arterial damage in his leg. This type of injury sometimes can lead to nerve damage.
There have been no updates on Miller's condition since his second surgery, which was described as a natural follow-up.
Follow Spain on Twitter @kevin_spain