Millen leaves college analyst job to focus on his health

Former Raiders and 49ers linebacker Matt Millen is stepping away from his TV analyst job for the rest of this season to focus on his health. Millen, 60, has amyloidosis and has been seeking a heart transplant. The life-threatening illness often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms mimic those of more common diseases. The Big Ten Network made the announcement Wednesday. Millen’s heart issues began in 2011 when he first felt chest pain while exercising. Tests showed nothing wrong for six years.

Millen had been working for the network as a color analyst for the first five games of this season. He had also done preseason work with the Raiders.

“We will certainly miss seeing Matt this fall, but his health is the clear priority for everyone involved,” Big Ten Network senior vice president Mark Hulsey said in a statement. “And we plan to support him in any way possible.”

Amyloidosis is when amyloid builds up in bone marrow, eventually ending up in organs and body tissue. As it progresses, it can force organ failure by affecting healthy tissue.

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