Injured Miller garners award for being a 'Good Guy'
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller, who has a long road to recovery following a severe knee dislocation that severed an artery and required emergency surgery, is the 2017 winner of the Good Guy Award presented by the Chicago chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America.
The seven-year veteran, who has had eight surgeries as the result of the gruesome injury, was given the award based on his professionalism, courtesy and respect during the 2017 season. Miller said his background as a media go-to guy came from his experience as the quarterback at Division-II Nebraska-Omaha.
"I was exposed to the media a lot through college, just from being the quarterback," he said. "At a small school, that's kind of all they really wanted to talk to at that point. That helped me get up to speed with dealing with media.
"It's just kind of my personality. I like interacting with people, especially you guys (the media), who do a great job. You're an important part of our game to be that liaison from us to the fans."
Miller never played tight end until a D-II all-star game after his senior season, but in his three seasons with the Bears he has caught 101 passes for 1,161 yards (11.5-yard average) and 11 touchdowns.
Miller has one more surgery to go but is able to walk short distances unaided, although he's still in a heavy leg brace and on crutches.
"One of the things I need to do before I go get that last surgery is start walking, build that strength up, so I can get this thing over with," he said. "We all know the way it could've went, so just to be on my feet, take a couple steps, at least my foot is on the ground."
The waiting game:
Back when his San Francisco 49ers defenses were terrorizing the NFL from 2011-14, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was frequently mentioned as a head-coaching candidate.
Although he has helped resuscitate a No. 8 Bears defense that was the league's worst before his arrival, the 59-year-old Fangio doesn't get mentioned as much. Either way, he's OK.
"I take the mindset on all that stuff to just let it happen," said the 31-year NFL coaching veteran. "Usually if people are interested in you for any position, they come and ask you, come and try to get you. I haven't seen many guys get things when they're banging down doors."
Leading the way:
Cornerback Kyle Fuller has 65 tackles and 16 passes defensed, the only player in the NFL with that many tackles and at least 15 pass breakups.
Fuller is third on the team in tackles, and his 57 solos are a team best, as are his pass breakups. Prince Amukamara is second on the team with 7 pass breakups.
Fuller missed all of last season following arthroscopic knee surgery.
"He worked very hard this off-season," coach John Fox said. "He's worked very hard this season. There are exercises and maintenance that you can do to keep yourself healthy, keep yourself going, and I think he's done a tremendous job."
Bring out the brooms:
The Bears will be going for a sweep of the AFC North on Sunday when they host the Cleveland Browns.
They upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime 23-17 at Soldier Field in Week 3, and the Ravens 27-24, also in overtime, at Baltimore in Week 6. In Week 14, they routed the Bengals 33-7 at Cincinnati.
Running back Jordan Howard has led the domination of the AFC North. The fourth-leading rusher in the NFL with 1,069 yards, Howard has accumulated 454 of those yards and scored 4 touchdowns in the three games vs. the AFC North.
Injury update:
Wide receiver Josh Bellamy (foot) was a full practice participant, and safety Adrian Amos (hamstring) was removed from the injury list. Both are expected to play Sunday.
Tight end Adam Shaheen (chest), safety Chris Prosinski (concussion) and guard Tom Compton (concussion) were limited. Guard Josh Sitton (ankle) did not practice.
For the Cleveland Browns, running back Isaiah Crowell (shoulder) was limited.
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