TALLAHASSEE, Florida – McKenzie Milton, who played in his first game since a catastrophic leg injury threatened to end his career nearly three years ago, pushed the state of Florida back from a 10-point deficit by force overtime against No. 9 Notre Dame on Sunday. night.
The annoying Seminoles ’offer fell short in OT as Jonathan Doerer of Notre Dame threw a 41-yard field goal to secure the 41-38 victory.
Milton entered the game in the fourth quarter when incumbent Jordan Travis lost his helmet and was forced to head for the side. Milton’s first play was a 22-yard finish for Ja’Khi Douglas.
Instead of putting Travis back in the game, the Seminoles stayed with Milton, who completed three more passes to the unit that ended with a 2-yard touchdown to Treshaun Ward.
Milton finished game 5 of 7 for 48 yards.
Milton suffered damage to his arteries and nerves, as well as a dislocated knee and broken ligaments, when he was injured as a UCF quarterback against USF in late November 2018. His leg was nearly amputated as a result. .
But Milton never gave up on his dream of playing football once again, working his way back to lead the UCF scout team last year. He wanted to start one more chance, so he moved to the state of Florida in January. Coach Mike Norvell made no promises for his time, but Milton did not want any. I just wanted the opportunity to compete.
Milton and Travis participated in a quarterback competition throughout the spring and fall. The Seminoles finally started Travis against the Irish, but Milton remained prepared on the sidelines until his number was called.
UCF Football showed its support for Milton on social media, along with many of his former UCF teammates.
You have a whole nation behind you, KZ# 10hana pic.twitter.com/lz0k1mEMfN
– UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 6, 2021
The Milton family told ESPN that 75 people were waiting for the match with them, including friends, family and doctors who helped him recover along the way. Mark Milton said they made sure to tell everyone they couldn’t guarantee McKenzie would play, but everyone wanted to be there.