Knights star QB out but not down
Milton will need second surgery, but first ready to cheer, aid team
As UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton recovers from a nerve injury and dislocated knee, he’s still trying to help his teammates win a conference championship.
Milton, a Hawaii native, connected online with his teammates from his Tampa General Hospital room, staying upbeat while trying to help UCF prepare for its American Athletic Conference Championship Game matchup with Memphis Saturday at Spectrum Stadium.
He is in the early stages of a grueling recovery from the knee injury he suffered during the first half of the Knights’ win over rival South Florida Friday. Milton’s parents shared the most detailed insight to date about his injury Tuesday afternoon, releasing a statement that read:
“On behalf of our son, McKenzie Milton, and our family, we want to thank the doctors and nurses at Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida and UCF medical staff and athletic trainers for their teamwork and prompt attention to McKenzie’s injuries. His blood flow has been restored to his right leg and his nerve is injured but intact. He is recovering and healing and is receiving the best medical care.
“At later time, he will have reconstructive surgery to repair his knee. That date has not been determined at this time. McKenzie and our entire family are so touched and grateful for the prayers, support, and well wishes. McKenzie is in good spirits and has a very positive attitude.
“He looks forward to cheering on his teammates in their quest for another
aSurgeon: conference championship this Saturday.
“At this time, McKenzie would like to maintain his privacy to get the proper rest, medical care, and healing before he grants any interviews. We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this request. Knight Nation is part of our Ohana and we feel very blessed as a family.
“Aloha,
“Mark & Teresa Milton.” Milton was hit during the first half of the Knights’ game against the Bulls and his right leg bent awkwardly. It was immediately apparent Milton suffered a major injury, with both teams quickly surrounding him while athletic trainers treated him for 10 minutes on the the field.
The junior was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery.
Milton’s teammates, UCF fans, college football fans around the country and national analysts offered prayers in support of the UCF quarterback, who was a Heisman Trophy candidate before the awkward collision ended his season.
The quarterback has posted a few messages on Instagram, thanking his teammates, fellow college football players and fans for their support.
Milton, who grew up in Hawaii, is slated to be honored with a stadium full of leis and numerous other tributes during the AAC title game Saturday at Spectrum Stadium.
On Friday night a few UCF fans suggested wearing leis to the championship game to show support for Milton.
The idea was quickly shared and online orders for leis spiked late Friday and early Saturday morning as fans waited for more details on Milton’s recovery.
“I think my mom has ordered a couple and Pat [Jasinski’s] mom has ordered a couple,” UCF offensive lineman Wyatt Miller said of the tribute. “Miss Milton … sometimes after the game makes leis to give us. I have a couple, so I’m going to let my mom wear one of those.
“I think it just shows the support and the love this community has for 10 [Milton] and the appreciation for what he’s done for this program.”
UCF has joined the fandriven effort, announcing Tuesday it partnered with Global Promo and owner Sanjay Sam Srinivasan to distribute 40,000 black and gold leis at the stadium Saturday.
UCF players said other tributes are in the works to show their support for the quarterback, who also is known by the nicknames KZ and 10.
It’s the Knights’ way of showing they have embraced the meaning of Ohana, a traditional Hawaiian phrase that means family.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of leis, a lot of tributes to McKenzie,” UCF tight end Michael Colubiale said. “He kind of helped build this place and I think it’s going to show a lot of respect for him and what he’s done for this program.”