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Home / Ryan Shazier Will He Play Again

Ryan Shazier Will He Play Again

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a spinal injury in December 2017 and has been making ho-hum progress in a quest that stretches far beyond the gridiron.

Shazier has made numerous public appearances since his injury; arguably his most powerful came during the 2018 NFL Draft, when he walked onto the stage with some aid from his so-fiancee, Michelle. Shazier did non play in 2018 or 2019 and has at present officially retired from the NFL.

A timeline of Ryan Shazier'due south injury and recovery

Here's everything that happened since Shazier was injured on December. 4, 2017.

Sept. ix, 2020

Ryan Shazier made it official on Wed by announcing his retirement from the NFL in this video:

Mar. 17, 2020

Presently earlier the start of the 2020 league year, the Steelers appear that Shazier has retired from the NFL and been placed on the Reserve/Retired List. This movement volition allow for "his continued inclusion within our arrangement," according to the team's general manager, Kevin Colbert.

Aug. 25, 2019

Although Shazier won't play again this year, he is all the same role of the Steelers — and even snagged a few balls in warmups before a preseason game:

June three, 2019

The Professional Football Writers of America appear that Shazier was called every bit the 2019 George Halas Laurels recipient. The award is given annually to an NFL figure who has overcome arduousness.

May 3, 2019

Shazier married his longtime partner, Michelle, in downtown Pittsburgh. Current and quondam Steelers teammates, along with a couple celebrities, were guests at the wedding to celebrate the couple.

Besides worth celebrating is Shazier striking the trip the light fantastic floor with his new wife:

Apr 29, 2019

For the second year in a row, the Steelers placed Shazier on the physically unable to perform (PUP list). That was the plan all along, but now it'southward official that he won't play in 2019.

April 7, 2019

Shazier showed off the impressive progress he'southward made, posting a video of himself doing box jumps:

"The starting time boxes were a lot lower than that," Shazier's father, Vernon, told ESPN. "It all began with just trying to spring — no box. It slowly graduated to what you see in that video."

March 12, 2019

Shazier'southward contract was set to expire after the 2018 season, simply because he was sidelined the unabridged year the Steelers have the selection to toll his contract over another yr. The team announced it planned to do exactly that — ensuring Shazier tin can go on to get paid by the league, accumulate years toward a alimony, and receive NFL medical insurance.

The Steelers also announced that Shazier will eventually be placed on the PUP list and won't play for the team in 2019.

"Nosotros will keep to support Ryan's efforts to return to play," said General Manager Kevin Colbert. "Although he won't be able to help us on the field in 2019, his leadership, insight, and emotional support have always been very valuable to u.s.a., and we look forward to his contributions in our pursuit of a championship."

Jan. 16, 2019

Post-obit the Steelers' 2018 season, Art Rooney II gave an update almost Shazier'southward condition with the team. Shazier is set to be a free amanuensis in March.

"Ryan, I believe, notwithstanding intends to go on to rehab with the intention of trying to come up back and play, and then to the extent that he wants to practise that, we're open to working that out," Rooney said. "There are some technicalities about somebody going from staff to player. So, at this indicate as I said, I retrieve his goal is to continue to be a thespian, and so we'll have to address it as time goes on and figure out how that works. He would have to have a contract."

Ane possibility is that the Steelers sign him to a one-yr contract at the league minimum.

Dec. 6, 2018

Near exactly a year after his injury, Shazier posted a video of himself deadlifting:

Days before, Steelers linebackers coach Joey Porter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Shazier had merely jogged for the outset time since the injury. According to the commodity, doctors had given Shazier "less than a xx pct chance" of walking again.

October. 14, 2018

Shazier returned to Cincinnati, where the Steelers and Bengals were playing for the outset fourth dimension since his injury. Earlier the game, Shazier paid a visit to University of Cincinnati Medical Middle to thank them for taking care of him terminal December:

Sept. 24, 2018

The Steelers made their offset Monday Night Football appearance since Shazier's injury in a Week 3 matchup confronting the Buccaneers. Lisa Salters spoke to Shazier before the game.

"He'south feeling really good," Salters said, "He said he's taking things a twenty-four hours at a fourth dimension. He wants to play football."

Salters besides talked to Steelers omnibus Mike Tomlin, who told her, "We but want to be there as a team to support him in whatever decision he decides to make for himself in the future."

Aug. 3, 2018

At the Steelers' almanac Fri Night Lights practice, Shazier showed fans that he is now walking on his ain, unassisted and without a cane:

June half dozen, 2018

Shazier spoke at a press conference — his first time speaking to media after his December injury.

"My dream is to come back and play football over again," Shazier said. "I've been working my tail off every day and I have that in the back of my heed every day I get to rehab."

Shazier said he'southward been surprising doctors with his progress throughout the rehab procedure. His goal for now is to be able to walk by himself without the support of a cane.

He also said that he's not agape of suffering some other injury if he eventually returns to the field, but added that "he'll have to play safer and proceed his head upwards."

May 3, 2018

The Steelers are giving Shazier his unabridged 2018 bacon upfront:

May 2, 2018

The Steelers placed Shazier on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which means he won't count against the team's ninety-human limit for the offseason roster.

April 26, 2018

He made a surprise appearance at the NFL Draft, when he walked for the beginning time in public since his injury. His fiancee, Michelle, walked with Shazier to help him to the podium. There, Shazier announced the Steelers' showtime-round selection, safety Terrell Edmunds out of Virginia Tech:

Later, he thanked fans for their support:

A dramatic calendar week got fifty-fifty more than and so the next twenty-four hour period, when a tornado hit his parents' domicile, but anybody is OK.

Apr 14, 2018

Shazier was an honorary captain at Ohio Land'southward leap game. He used a wheelchair to get to the Buckeyes locker room, where he stood up to address the squad earlier the scrimmage. Shazier as well stood up to wave to the crowd at Ohio Stadium:

Apr 11, 2018

Shazier attended a Pittsburgh Penguins playoff game and while standing, he led the fans in a "Allow's go Pens" cheer.

Shazier attended an NCAA tournament game in Pittsburgh.

March four, 2018

During the NFL Combine, Shazier hopped on the phone with NFL Network's Mike Mayock and Rich Eisen.

"My stop goal is to allow the Lord to let me come back and play at the high level that I was earlier," Shazier said. "Every day I attempt to get better. I strive for the Hall of Fame and I was doing that through this year, the whole time I was playing. And I still do that while I'm doing rehab. I know it'southward even so a possibility. I take the Lord and he has my back and I constantly experience I'grand going to come back and play football."

February. 28, 2018

At the NFL Combine, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert announced that Shazier wouldn't exist playing in the 2018 flavour:

Feb. 20, 2018

On Feb. xx, Ryan Shazier spoke for the first fourth dimension about his injury when he was a guest on his teammate Roosevelt Nix's podcast. Shazier said that he's making progress every day and that he plans to play football again one twenty-four hours.

Feb. 7, 2018

Team owner Art Rooney II confirmed that Shazier will nevertheless be heavily involved with the Steelers side by side flavor:

Feb. vi, 2018

Shazier attended a Penguins game and stood upward, with some help, while fans gave him a standing ovation:

Feb. 4, 2018

ESPN'south Adam Schefter shared on Super Basin Dominicus that Shazier hasn't just regained feeling in his legs, but he's also regained movement and is "engaging in a regular walking routine." But Michele Tafoya reported that Shazier wasn't walking on his own, which Shazier so confirmed himself.

Feb. ane, 2018

Shazier posted the about encouraging sign of his recovery to that date with a picture that appeared to evidence him standing — albeit with back up from teammate Ben Roethlisberger.

I've had a lot of 1st downs at UPMC, but y'all know being the defensive guy I am, my mind is on 3 and out. With that beingness said, I desire anybody to know that I'thousand moving on to the next step of the process. Today's a large day for me equally I'1000 officially being released from the hospital. I desire to take a moment to thank the people who have helped me the past two months. First and foremost, I want to thank God because at the end of the twenty-four hours I don't recall I'd be making progress without His vision and hands protecting me and my family. I will continue to trust in Him and thank Him, because it all starts with Him. To my family: you lot've been my rock. Words can't express how thankful I am for you Michelle, RJ, Mom, Dad, and VJ for always being there for me. You're my everything. To Jerome: my trainer and best friend. Give thanks y'all for existence there from twenty-four hour period 1 and every day afterward continuing to push me to be meliorate every 24-hour interval. I'd like to give thanks Dr. Okonkwo, Dr. Harrington, Dr. Maroon, and Dr. Schroeder for their amazing work on my procedure and continuous intendance. I can't appropriately limited how grateful I am for how quickly you've helped me bounce dorsum. I want to thank the medical staff at UPMC for their amazing care, back up and therapy they have given me- particularly Joe, Nikki, Karolina and Dani. I know the staff will go on to help me find a manner to keep on pushing equally nosotros go on therapy. The support from my teammates has been truly amazing. From sometime players to current players and their families- they have helped me and my family solar day to twenty-four hours with visits and gifts. Nosotros can't thank you plenty. I desire to give thanks Mr. Rooney, Coach T, Mr. Colbert, and the unabridged Steelers organization for the unwavering back up they've given me. I knew they were an amazing organization, only more than e'er they're family to me. Lastly, I want to give thanks Jimmy, Candice, and the CAA Sports staff for being here when I demand them most. I don't know if I'd be where I'1000 at or making the progress I'1000 making without you guys. I desire everyone to know that all of the support and prayers are admittedly being answered. I will continue to work difficult and push and find a mode dorsum. #Shalieve #Steelers #prayfor50

A mail shared by Ryan Shazier (@shazier) on

That aforementioned twenty-four hours, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center released a statement saying that Shazier was discharged from inpatient rehab and volition transition into an outpatient plan to continue his recovery.

Jan. 14, 2018

Shazier was on hand to cheer on the Steelers during their Bounded Round game against the Jaguars.

He spoke to his teammates in the locker room to encourage them, according to CBS' circulate.

Jan. x, 2018

This was the commencement photo that confirmed Shazier was in a wheelchair. His family and the team have kept details virtually Shazier'due south condition close to the vest to protect his privacy as he recovers.

He visited his teammates at practice for the outset time earlier the Steelers' bounded matchup against the Jaguars, bringing an emotional lift as the team prepared for the postseason. Cameron Heyward told NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala that Shazier said he has good days and bad days. But the days he'southward able to spend effectually his teammates are always skilful days.

Jan. four, 2018

Shazier'southward father, Vernon, said that Ryan regained feeling in his legs.

"He'southward much better," the elderberry Shazier told Pittsburgh's WPXI-Telly, "merely we've agreed to proceed his progress private until he'south ready to share where he's at."

Dec. 17, 2017

Shazier made his first public appearance since the injury at the Steelers' Calendar week 15 game against the Patriots,. He waved a Terrible Towel to pump upwardly the crowd:

Dec. 12, 2017

The Steelers put Shazier on injured reserve, officially ending his flavor.

"Unfortunately Ryan volition not exist able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this flavor," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement. "However, even off the field Ryan will continue to be one of our team leaders. Nosotros know his spirit and positive outlook will aid him to go along in his recovery, as well as serve as an inspiration to our squad."

Dec. x, 2017

Shazier historic the Steelers' Week 14 win over the Ravens with his teammates from his infirmary bed via FaceTime.

It was their first game afterwards Shazier'southward injury.

"Nosotros didn't play without him. He was out here with us, and we know it," quarterback Ben Roethsliberger said after their 39-38 dramatic win. "Buddy, we love you lot so much. This one was for you, bud."

Before the game, Antonio Brown and several other teammates wore customized cleats in honor of Shazier.

Dec. 7, 2017

Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery, according to an announcement from the squad:

"I'k not worried most him playing for united states over again, I'k more than worried about him," Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler said via the Postal service-Gazette. "Y'all have been updated as much equally we take. The thing that nosotros're hopeful for and prayerful for is that he comes dorsum and he'll be OK. The football stuff is secondary. His life is a lot more important to me than football."

December. 6, 2017

Shazier was transported back to Pittsburgh to stay at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center:

December. 5, 2017

The Steelers updated Shazier's status throughout the 24-hour interval:

"I really have no update in terms of his medical status other than what was released earlier," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. "I would imagine at the appropriate time that those who are responsible for his care will give y'all a reasonable cess of where he is. I imagine that would occur every bit soon as later on on today."

"From my perspective, obviously it was a tough evening," he said. "Ryan's a trooper. I had an opportunity to spend some time with him, and he's in expert spirits."

December. 4, 2017

Shazier was injured during a Monday Night Football game against the Bengals in Week 13. On Cincinnati'due south first possession of the game, Shazier went to the basis clutching his dorsum afterwards tackling Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone. Information technology looked like a normal, everyday kind of tackle until Shazier didn't get up.

Shazier was immobilized on a backboard, carted off the field, and taken to a Cincinnati hospital.

Steelers double-decker Mike Tomlin did not have an update on Shazier'southward status afterwards the game.

"This is a tough game, tough business," Tomlin said. "v-0 (Shazier) is our blood brother."

What does Ryan Shazier hateful to the Steelers?

Shazier has been the Steelers' biggest defensive playmaker since they took him in the first circular of the 2014 typhoon.

He means and so much more than to the Steelers than that, as was seen in the way his teammates reacted immediately after his injury. They had a hard time holding back tears in the firsthand aftermath and for the rest of the game.

"I don't think Vince (Williams) stopped crying until after halftime, and that's one of the well-nigh gangster dudes on the team," condom Mike Mitchell said, via The MMQB's Greg Bishop. "People had to grab him past the face mask and exist like, 'Yo, yous're the middle linebacker at present. You can't be sniffling.'"

The Steelers went on to win that game, beating the Bengals 23-twenty. They won four of their last 5, locking up the second seed in the AFC before falling to the Jaguars in the Bounded Round.

He wasn't on the field, but they didn't do it without Shazier.

"When you lot see him, you know how much he loves football and wants to exist out there for us," linebacker Anthony Chickillo said, through the team's website. "You just want to get hard for him. You only want to win for him."

What'due south Shazier's prognosis?

Shazier started rehab days after undergoing surgery. He's still very much a part of the Steelers, even if he never takes the field again.

Shazier and his family believe that he will play again.

"Yep, I practise," Vernon Shazier said. "I Shalieve." Shazier and his family consistently use that play on Shazier's last name and the discussion "believe" when talking about his injury.

The injury was terrifying, and it's difficult to even retrieve about whether Shazier tin can or volition play football in the futurity. What matters now is merely Shazier's continued recovery.

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Source: https://www.sbnation.com/2018/1/14/16883184/ryan-shazier-inury-news-recovery-steelers