Zach Miller

Zach Miller is a former NFL tight end who fought adversity throughout his entire life. Not being recruited to any colleges, Zach initially attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a walk-on for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. In 2006, he was a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, an award given to the most valuable player in NCAA Division II. After rushing for 1098 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns as a QB, Zach was named the NCC Offensive MVP. Without being an NFL Combine invitee, Zach made a name for himself at the Nebraska-Omaha Pro Day. In the 2009 NFL Draft, Zach was a sixth-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Throughout his first 3 seasons in the NFL, he battled injuries to his shoulder, ankle, calf and head. During the 2013 offseason, Zach signed with the Chicago Bears to be their Tight End. He played in all 16 games and led the team in touchdowns (5). The next year, Zach signed a two-year contract extension with the Bears and was expected to become a top Tight End in the league. That changed in their Week 8 game against the New Orleans Saints where Zach dislocated his left knee while attempting to catch a touchdown pass. He was taken to the University Medical Center New Orleans where further examinations revealed he not only dislocated his knee but also tore his popliteal artery, a serious, career-threatening injury that raised the possibility of amputation. Zach was told that he’d never walk or exercise again, but fought through adversity as he did his entire life and beat the injury; he is now healthy, exercises daily, and lives with his wife Kristen and their three children. After his playing career, Zach would go on to start a successful country music career, recently releasing a single “Who lights your fire” on Spotify.