McKenzie Milton's return to the field ends with a Florida State touchdown vs. Notre Dame. (0:42).
TALLAHASSEE (Fla.) -- McKenzie Milton had just played his first game in over 1,000 games. A small group of friends and family waited in the parking lot at the Florida State football facility until late Sunday night. The only light source was the nearby practice field's lights.
Milton, holding a portable massager, finally made it to his family. He hugged Michael. He then saw his father.
Milton wished his father a happy birthday, and his eyes filled with tears. "I love you."
The next was Dr. Bruce Levy who was one of the orthopedists who helped Milton get back into the field. "This is your work, Doc!" Milton said to him.
Milton hugged each person who waited to see him until almost 1 a.m. -- about a third of the 70 people who came out to watch him dress up for the Seminoles.
They were amazed at the miracle comeback.
Milton, 34 months after a devastating injury that almost forced him to have his right leg amputated, came off the bench, going 5-for-7 for 48 yard to help Florida State overcome a 10-point deficit. He also went into overtime against Notre Dame, which was the Seminoles' favorite Notre Dame opponent. Despite the sad ending, there was still optimism, something that Florida State has been lacking lately. Fans and others witnessed the unfolding of events in front of them.
It was surreal, emotional. It was surreal, emotional. Levy was one of the ortho surgeons who helped Milton get back on the field following he suffered nerve and artery damage to his right leg. He had dislocated his knee and torn ligaments during a Nov. 23 2018 game.
Levy traveled to Tallahassee along with his entire family. He was obliged to be there. He had promised Milton that he would be there when he played again. Levy warned him right from the beginning that it might be impossible to play football due to the severity of the injury.
Levy said that they had that conversation on the first day he met me. "I said, "Even if miraculously you get back and do something no one has ever done before," Levy recalled. Amazingly, there was not a single hesitation. Doc, I know that I'm playing again football. It's all I know.
Levy insists that he was not the only one who helped to make the comeback. He lists the Tampa surgeons who saved Milton's leg on the night of the injury. The Mayo Clinic team in Minnesota and Milton's UCF doctors and trainers, where the quarterback spent five-years before moving to Florida State.
When Milton was in severe pain from a serious infection, UCF orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Jablonski stepped in to save his leg. Mary Vander Heiden, UCF's head football trainer, managed Milton's daily rehabilitation for two years. She even went to Milton’s house to perform the exercises when Milton didn’t feel like entering the facility.
Florida State QB McKenzie Milton was in his first game for almost three years on Sunday night. He helped the Seminoles rally during the fourth quarter and force overtime against Notre Dame. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
Jablonski, Vander Heiden were also in Tallahassee. Vander Heiden enjoyed the most spectacular view of Sunday night as she waited patiently on the sidelines, waiting for the right moment.
Milton spent the offseason competing in a quarterback contest, believing that he was good enough for another start. This is why he quit UCF. Despite Jordan Travis getting the start against Notre Dame, Milton stayed prepared, sometimes putting his helmet on the sideline to send a message to the coaching staff that he was still available.
The staff couldn't help but to take a hard hit on Travis in the fourth quarter and lose his helmet. Travis was forced to play. They watched in awe as No. With 8:48 left, 10 runners ran onto the field to loud cheers. His mother Teresa and father Mark knew that their son was up for it.
McKenzie Milton snapped the picture and shot a 22-yard dart at Ja'Khi Doug. The crowd went wild. The crowd erupted. Florida State could have brought Travis back in, but Milton kept the ball going for the whole drive. Seven plays later, Florida State scored the touchdown. Milton and his teammates celebrated, just as it was meant to be.
Mike Norvell, Florida State coach, stated that "a lot of people don't know this position and what it means to be responsible to go to the next level and be ready to execute at that level." "McKenzie did this and did it at an extremely high level. It was amazing to witness."
Vander Heiden & Levy remained focused on Milton's right foot. The brace was bulky and restricted his movement. They also watched him nervously when he took a fall or was sacked.
Milton returned to the car for the next drive as the Seminoles trailed Milton by 3 with 4 minutes remaining.
Milton's father was approached by a family friend who said that Milton might be able to out-Rudy Notre Dame.
It almost happened. Despite McKenzie’s best efforts, it was not a comeback victory. The comeback is itself a victory. It was a win for Milton, Florida State, UCF, college football, and everyone else involved in his return. This includes his supporters from all over the country, from Orlando, Florida to Hawaii. His return will be covered in medical and sports journals for many years.
McKenzie Milton had multiple complex operations to save his right leg so he could return to playing on the field. Laura Heald, ESPN
Mark Milton stated, "He never had doubts and that was the greatest thing." We never stopped encouraging him towards achieving his dreams. He was encouraged to pursue his dreams.
It is difficult to find that kind of determination. Levy described the physical pain Milton endured to get full range of motion in his knee. This was essential before the quarterback could be allowed to return. Levy stated that he has never seen a patient with such an injury who is able to move at the same level as Milton.
Levy just smiled when he saw photos of Milton putting his heel on his bottom and completing the task. Milton has exceeded every benchmark at every turn.
Levy stated that he recalled the day when he cleared him last year and was reviewing every report. These included his triple jump, crossover jumps and vertical heights. He also had isokinetic testing. He didn't just pass; he was a winner. They were incredible numbers and I told him that there was no reason for me to keep you back. You have done everything we asked you to. It's now up to you to decide if this is something that you would like to do.
The nation understood why Milton wanted it Sunday night. Because he's good at it. Because he is a master at making plays. Because he is able to motivate the players around him. Because he is competitive and contagious. Because he is a man of strong will, heart, and mind. Because he is a winner.
Although it might not have been visible on the scoreboard at Doak Campbell Stadium, everyone inside saw it. One fan stated, "We just need to play Milton more."
Milton stated that he was grateful to have played. His parents did not know if he would play, nor did he. Perhaps that was why he didn't have the time to process his emotions. He said, "I felt like it was three decades ago, and I was just playing baseball."
His coaches will decide what happens next. Florida State has just one week to prepare for Saturday's game against Jacksonville State FCS foe Jacksonville State. The team did not have any questions about the quarterback.
These questions will have to wait until tomorrow. The most important -- "Can Milton play again?" Sunday was the day that this question was answered.
He is capable of doing more than just playing. He can win.
