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While in the process of attempting to catch a touchdown pass against New Orleans, Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller hit the ground with enough force to dislocate his knee, an injury so severe that Miller very nearly lost his leg. (Plus, to add insult to grievous injury, the touchdown didn’t even count.)The demolished knee demanded immediate surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery; the knee was so ruined that Miller even risked amputation. The likelihood of Miller ever playing professional football again is slim indeed, but the Bears have nonetheless offered him a one-year deal.The deal pays Miller $458,000 if he doesn’t play, and $790,000 if he does. It’s a fine gesture, given that Miller’s contract ran out at the end of 2017 and Chicago didn’t owe him another dime.
Miller's contract expired after the 2017 season, yet the Bears signed him to a one-year deal on Monday worth the veteran minimum. On Tuesday the team officially placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, essentially ending his season. Because of the deal he signed with Chicago, he will have a chance to continue to rehab at the facility, still be a part of the team in meetings and will also make $458,000 this season. Miller met with the media for the first time on Tuesday following the re-signing and was still blown away by what the organization did for him."It’s tough for me to put it into words, what it means to me, but I’m just very thankful and grateful to be a part of this family," Miller said in his press conference.
You don't see much of this in professional sports, where every dollar counts:QuoteWhile in the process of attempting to catch a touchdown pass against New Orleans, Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller hit the ground with enough force to dislocate his knee, an injury so severe that Miller very nearly lost his leg. (Plus, to add insult to grievous injury, the touchdown didn’t even count.)The demolished knee demanded immediate surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery; the knee was so ruined that Miller even risked amputation. The likelihood of Miller ever playing professional football again is slim indeed, but the Bears have nonetheless offered him a one-year deal.The deal pays Miller $458,000 if he doesn’t play, and $790,000 if he does. It’s a fine gesture, given that Miller’s contract ran out at the end of 2017 and Chicago didn’t owe him another dime.I'm sure that it's been done before, but it's basically a $458k gift to a guy who will probably never play again.
It’s a lovely offer but if I’m Miller, I want to do a job for that money, like scouting. I hope they give him the dignity he deserves and not just charity. Yes, I know he has a “job” called rehabbing but there’s plenty of time for other things.