VIDEO: Ryan Shazier is Back on the Field and Catching Balls With the Steelers
By Jerry Trotta
Ryan Shazier just continues to defy the odds. Less than two years after suffering a devastating spinal injury that forced him to put his blossoming NFL career on hold, the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker was back on the field catching passes during the team's warm-up prior to their clash against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. Once upon a time, doctors gave him just a 20% chance of walking again.
Ryan Shazier was told he had a 20% chance of walking again.
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2019
Sunday, he was catching balls on the field during Steelers warm ups ? (via @TDavenport_NFL) pic.twitter.com/ezCgXiUNd9
There really are no words to describe Shazier's perseverance, courage, and sheer heart. Since being told he would likely never walk again, the two-time Pro Bowler has accomplished jogging and freaking deadlifting on his own, among other things.
Perhaps the most uplifting narrative surrounding the 26-year-old's miraculous rehab process is the fact that he was able to dance with his wife, Michelle Rodriguez, at their wedding back in May.
It was unlikely Ryan Shazier would ever walk again after his injury. Now, he’s not only walking, but throwing and catching the football.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 27, 2019
Inspiration ?
(via @TDavenport_NFL | ? @brgridiron)pic.twitter.com/Cirfi2THZo
Despite his constant doubters, the Ohio State product still dreams of playing for the Steelers again. When you consider just how much he's overcome in such a short sample size of time, it would be foolish on our part to bet against him.