Written by Imagine being out of a sport for almost three years due to an injury. Now imagine returning to the same sport after the injury. And now imagine getting the opportunity to compete again.
McKenzie Milton lived the horror and heartbreak, through the injury, and then the inspiring journey of his return to a sport that he loved. McKenzie Milton was the backup quarterback this week for Florida State’s game against Notre Dame. With his team down 10 points in the fourth quarter, Milton was put in due to the starting quarterback having to sit out one play, due to his helmet flying off during the previous play.
Those that were watching assumed that Milton was going in for one play in his return to NCAA football. It was a feat in itself, an athlete who defied all odds to return to the game, when he probably was lucky to even walk again after a catastrophic knee injury three years prior. He was lucky to even have his leg according to Dr. Bruce Levy of the Mayo Clinic. McKenzie Milton took his first snap and made his first pass in that play. While everyone watching assumed that Milton would be replaced by the starting quarterback, Jordan Travis, the coach continued to let Milton play.
McKenzie Milton’s performance was the making of an inspirational sports movie. Milton helped lead the team to tying the game by the end of the fourth quarter. Everyone who was part of his three-year recovery was watching in the stands or on television. He made the comeback that everyone dreamed of.
Unfortunately, Florida State’s defense could not stop Notre Dame in overtime and the game ended. It closed a magnificent journey against all odds. Even with the loss, Milton, his family and supporters, and the Florida State team must have been excited about Milton’s inspirational performance.