Matt Millen has been battling a rare disease called amyloidosis since 2011 but was only diagnosed last summer. Despite his heart operating at 30 percent capacity, undergoing chemotherapy, and needing a heart transplant, Millen has done his best to keep a full work schedule as an analyst for the Big Ten Network.
On Wednesday, BTN announced in a statement that Millen will be stepping away from the broadcast booth for the rest of this season in order to tend to his health. Millen had been in the booth for the first five games this season, but will not be calling any more games this season.
Matt Millen is stepping away from the broadcast booth for the remainder of the 2018 season in order to focus on his health. pic.twitter.com/Ku1j1UD8i7
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 3, 2018
Millen’s broadcasting partner Kevin Kugler responded to the news by requesting that people keep Millen and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
I am really going to miss my partner. Please keep Matt and his family in your prayers. https://t.co/Ei7AvsjcB0
— Kevin Kugler (@kevinkugler) October 3, 2018
Amyloidosis is a rare disease dealing with amyloid protein building up in bone marrow, tissue, and organs. There’s no cure for the disease, but it can be treated, which is what Millen has been doing while he awaits a heart transplant.
