UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton underwent successful surgery on his injured right knee and was recovering in Tampa General Hospital on Saturday, as his family issued a statement expressing their gratitude for the prayers and care he has received.
“The Milton Family would like to express gratitude for all of your thoughts, prayers and concerns,” the statement read. “McKenzie’s surgey was successful and he is recovering well. We would like to thank the medical staffs at Tampa General Hospital, the University of South Florida, and the sports medicine staff at UCF for their superb care. McKenzie looks forward to rejoining his teammates in Orlando and supporting them in their quest to bring another conference championship to our program.
“Remember what Ohana means. No one gets left behind #UCFamily,” added the family, which is from Hawaii.
Milton was injured in the second quarter of UCF’s 38-10 win over USF on Friday, when he took a helmet to his knee on a scramble. Milton’s leg bent awkwardly, and he was carted off the field with his leg immobilized. UCF players dedicated the rest of the game to their best player and emotional leader.
Neither UCF nor the family have disclosed the severity of the injury, saying only it was “traumatic.” McKenzie’s father, Mark Milton, said in a text message the surgery stabilized his knee and also dealt with undisclosed “internal issues.” There also was no update on when he would be able to travel back to Orlando.
UCF hosts Memphis next Saturday in the AAC championship game and must rely on backup Darriel Mack, who came in for Milton against USF and helped the Knights score 30 or more points in their 24th straight game.