The Chicago Bears have many great what-if stories scattered throughout their history. One that a lot of people may forget is Zach Miller. Nobody thought much of the former 6th round pick when he arrived in 2015. All they knew was he was 31-years old and had an unlucky track record when it came to injuries. So his name sort of faded into the background. That changed on a Monday night in early November.
Chicago was trailing the San Diego Chargers 16-7 in the 4th quarter. Eventually they managed to cut it to 16-14 but still trailed with just over three minutes to play. Then Jay Cutler lofted a throw to the end zone. There it was Miller who made one of the most ridiculous one-handed grabs you’ll ever see. The touchdown proved the difference in the game. Then for good measure? He had 107 yards the next week in St. Louis, highlighted by an 87-yard catch and run for a touchdown.
Had the Bears discovered a diamond in the rough?
It certainly felt that way going into 2016. Through the first 10 games, Miller was playing pretty well with a career-high 486 yards despite frequent quarterback issues. Sadly his injury luck returned to haunt him as a foot problem landed him on IR. A year later he battled back yet again, becoming a nice safety valve for rookie QB Mitch Trubisky through the first eight games. Then everybody remembers what happened next. While attempting a catch in the end zone against New Orleans, Miller suffered a gruesome knee injury. One that ultimately ended his career.
One couldn’t help but feel sad for him. The guy did everything he could to live his NFL dream. His body just betrayed him. He stayed with the team as sort of a player coach for a while but soon chose to walk away. Rather than wallow in self-pity though, Miller seems to have already found a new mountain to climb. It appears he plans to pursue a career in country music.
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He even released his first single on May 28th. Honestly? It doesn’t suck.
Zach Miller always had the drive
It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Miller chose this direction for his next career. Nebraska sits right in the area where country music would be prevalent. Rural plains with wide open space. He grew up in a region that was surrounded by hot spots that produced the likes of Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge, Chris LeDoux, C.W. McCall, and of course Garth Brooks. This is hardly a shock.
The best part is he doesn’t have to worry about age creeping up on him. At 36-years old, he is plenty young enough to handle this sort of career.
It will be fascinating to see where he goes from here.
One must assume following the release of his single that an album isn’t too far off. Given what he had to go through in football, it would seem only fair he finds much greater success in country music. Bears fans out there should give him a helpful nudge. Spread the word or buy his single for a modest $1. If nothing else, show him as much support as possible. The guy endured a lot during his time in Chicago.