It’s a bit early to start deciding the “feel-good” story of the year, but I know a contender when I see one. With the help of football, faith, family, friends, fortitude, and Florida, not to mention the incredible work of expert orthopedic doctors, trainers, and determined rehab specialists, Mckenzie Milton has risen. From the quarterback’s youth teams (which went 66-2!) through back-to-back state championship appearances at Mililani H.S., Milton proved himself to be a leader and a winner by age 18.
But he didn’t plan on becoming a nationwide inspiration. Fate, and deep faith, sometimes come together to provide lessons which seem unfair and devastating, yet ultimately turn lives around, occasionally in spectacular fashion. On November 23, 2018, University of Central Florida’s Milton took a helmet to his right knee in a football game. The injury was gruesome and serious- right knee dislocation plus ligament, artery, and nerve damage that led numerous medical experts to suggest that amputation might be necessary. Medical miracle men acted quickly and saved Milton’s leg. The thinking then was- after three leg surgeries- IF he walks again, he’ll be in great pain… for the rest of his life.
Milton persevered for three years of repetitive, excruciating rehab. He then transferred to Florida State. Why? His QB spot at UCF had been taken over by Dillon Gabriel and, as if this story could cause any more chicken skin, Gabriel had been Milton’s understudy at Mililani… and followed Milton to UCF! As he healed and realized that there was a new Trojan hero at UCF in Orlando, Milton calmly moved his football future to perennial powerhouse, Florida State.
In his first game back, 1,017 days after almost losing his leg on the gridiron, Mckenzie Milton rallied his new team from a 10-point, 4th quarter deficit to a 38-38 tie against #7-ranked Notre Dame. Alas, the Seminoles fell in overtime, 41-38. His surreal heroics were inspirational on so many levels. Football fans, his family, doctors, trainers, coaches, teammates, local pals- all must’ve shed tears amid their fears. Akamai viewers wondered where the Disney camera crew was hiding. Could this really be happening?!
No matter what happens next, Mckenzie Milton has proven through his humble efforts that miracles do come true. He went from “can’t do” to “did do.” While his journey continues, it’s already a 2021 feel-good story that we all surely need nowadays.
Think about it…