April 26--By now, Zach Miller's patience-testing NFL journey has been well documented. The talented tight end always knew he had the ability and determination to make an impact in the NFL. But for the longest stretch, injury after injury after injury kept re-routing Miller through unexpected detours. Between Week 6 of 2011 and last year's season opener, Miller didn't play a regular season down.
So yes, when he played 15 consecutive games and earned a heightened role for the Bears last season, it qualified as a major breakthrough. Miller turned his opportunity into production -- 34 catches, 439 yards and five TDs. And then he turned that production into a payday, re-signing with the Bears in March on a two-year deal that could be worth up to $5.5 million.
Miller's story, he understands, has been both unique and inspiring. So it was no coincidence that he was honored Tuesday at Halas Hall as one of the franchise's two Piccolo Award winners for 2015.
Miller was the team's veteran recipient while Adrian Amos was the rookie honoree. The Piccolo Awards are voted on annually by teammates and given to players who show great dedication, loyalty, teamwork, a commitment to excellence and a sense of humor, all qualities embodied by former Bear Brian Piccolo, who lost his battle with cancer in 1970.
"To be standing here receiving an award in his name is an absolute honor and a privilege for me," Miller said. "His display of hard work, determination and friendship are things that I want to emulate."
If Miller's 2015 emergence was one of the Bears' most encouraging bright spots, Amos' quick rise was similarly surprising. The instinctive safety was a fifth-round draft pick a year ago but earned a starting role on defense during training camp and wound up starting all 16 games.
Amos, per team statistics, recorded a team-best 108 tackles, all while playing through soreness in his right shoulder, an injury that required offseason surgery to repair.
Amos insisted Tuesday that his shoulder is fully healthy again and expressed eagerness to continue his development into his second season.
Said Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio: "From Day One when he got here, he did not look like -- if you're going to stereotype -- a fifth-round draft choice. He looked like he belonged."
Fangio said he's pushing Amos to make a "big jump from Year One to Year Two," expectations the young safety is happy to take on.
"I don't see it as pressure," Amos said. "I see it as opportunity to get out there and make plays in my second year with the system."
Miller, meanwhile, finds himself grinding through this offseason in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in forever, he has attained job security and financial stability.
Miller also reiterated his belief that the Bears are making big strides toward jelling into a playoff team again.
"I just feel like we're ready to take that next step. ... The communication from the top down is vital and has really taken a step (forward). I've been part of other things that are different. And now when you're here, it just has a different feel about it."
"Obviously we have to work and put the product on the field, but as of right now, it just feels really good."
