Matt Millen plans to return to the broadcast booth this fall, beginning with Penn State's season opener in September, as he continues being treated for amyloidosis, a rare disease that eventually will require him to undergo a heart transplant. The Big Ten Conference was happy to hear that.
"He's just an inspiration in how he handles himself and how he's handled his sickness," said Mark Silverman, president of the Big Ten Network, for whom Millen is the lead analyst. "He wants to work. He doesn't complain. Your heart goes out to him for his recovery, as best he can, and we want to do all we can to help him. He's been really important for us."
Millen, the Whitehall High and Penn State graduate, attended this week's Big Ten media days, where coaches, administrators and fellow broadcasters welcomed his return. Millen completed his most recent course of chemotherapy eight weeks ago, saying Tuesday that he feels stronger and has more stamina than he did last spring.