Matt Millen Steps Away From Big Ten Network Due To Health Concerns
Former Penn State defensive tackle Matt Millen stepped away from his job with the Big Ten Network Wednesday morning to focus on his ongoing battle with a rare heart condition.
Millen announced that he’s battling amyloidosis — a heart condition that could cause an irregular heartbeat or enlarged heart — in April, but continued to live as normal of a life as he could and work as an analyst for the Big Ten Network through the first five weeks of the 2018 college football season.
“Matt Millen, BTN’s lead football game analyst, will not return to the booth in 2018 as he continues to pursue treatment for amyloidosis,” BTN senior vice president Mark Hulsey said. “Millen has battled the rare condition since 2011 and will take time away from football to focus on his health. We will certainly miss seeing Matt this fall, but his health is the clear priority for everyone involved and we wplan to support him in any way possible.”
The former Whitehall High School standout began feeling symptoms seven years prior to his diagnosis, but initial tests found nothing abnormal. He finally got a definitive diagnosis during a 15-minute visit to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville after trying to figure out what was wrong for six years.
Doctors said Millen’s heart was operating at 30 percent of its normal capacity when he was first diagnosed in April. He may need a heart transplant as a result of the disease.
Millen became an All-American defensive tackle during his time at Penn State. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 1980 NFL Draft and later played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins, bringing Super Bowl rings to each team he joined.
Millen became a sports broadcaster after winning four Super Bowls during his 12-year career in the NFL. He was the CEO and de facto general manager of the Detroit Lions from 2001-2007 before returning to broadcasting.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
‘Most People Have That Esoteric Thing:’ Rowan Lapi Building Community With Clothing Brand
“How cool would it be to bring together all those people that really relate to the world and feel like they have this esoteric thing?”
Saquon Barkley’s Backward Hurdle Added To Madden NFL 25
“It’s rare, this day and age, to see something that’s never been done before. That’s when we knew we wanted it in-game.”
Stephen Nedoroscik Survives Semifinals & Moves Onto Finale Of ‘Dancing With The Stars’
Pommel horse guy and his partner recieved 53 points for the night.
What About The Class Of 2020?
On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.