In the realm of professional football, few journeys are as poignant and inspiring as that of Ryan Shazier. Once a rising star linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Shazier’s trajectory was forever altered by a devastating spinal cord injury sustained during a 2017 game. However, through unwavering determination and a profound love for the sport, he has forged a new path—one that has led him back to the Steelers sideline as a coach.
The Fateful Moment
December 4, 2017, is a date etched in Shazier’s memory. During a Monday Night Football clash against the Cincinnati Bengals, a routine tackle went terribly awry. Shazier’s head collided with a receiver’s thigh, leaving him motionless on the field. The severity of his spinal injury was immediately apparent, casting doubt on his future in football and beyond.
The Road to Recovery
What followed was a grueling rehabilitation process. Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery and embarked on an arduous journey to regain his mobility. Remarkably, just 11 months after his injury, he jogged for the first time. Five months later, he progressed to box jumps, defying expectations at every turn.
To lose the game in a way I never envisioned has not been easy. When you play the game of football the way I did, you convince yourself you’re Superman, that nothing can stop you. But then the moment I got hurt, I stopped being Superman.
– Ryan Shazier on his injury and retirement
A New Chapter Begins
Though his playing days were over, Shazier’s love for football endured. After officially retiring in 2020, he explored various ventures—completing his degree, podcasting, and working with his foundation, the Ryan Shazier Fund for Rehabilitation. Yet, the allure of the gridiron persisted.
In a twist of fate, Shazier found himself back with the Steelers, this time as a coaching intern. Head coach Mike Tomlin recognized his former player’s passion and knowledge, offering him a season-long role working with the team’s running backs. It was an opportunity Shazier embraced wholeheartedly.
Imparting Wisdom from the Other Side
Shazier’s transition from player to coach has been a revelation. His unique perspective as a former linebacker allows him to provide invaluable insights to the running backs he now mentors. He breaks down defensive schemes, shares his instincts, and helps his charges anticipate the opposition’s moves.
He’s got freedom in the meeting to speak up on things. Guys will turn and ask him questions, ‘Hey, what’s [the defense] doing on this? Why did they do that?’ It offers a different vantage point that normally we don’t get.
– Steelers RB coach Eddie Faulkner on Shazier’s contributions
The Grind Behind the Scenes
Coaching, as Shazier has discovered, is a world apart from playing. The hours are long, the responsibilities endless. From setting up drills to charting plays, no task is too menial. It’s a grind that Shazier has embraced with the same fervor he once brought to the field.
- Attention to detail: Arranging cones, hauling tackling dummies, simulating contact with pads
- Wearing many hats: Assisting with special teams, charting plays in the coaching box on game days
- Putting in the hours: Arriving early, staying late, always striving to be multiple steps ahead
A Beacon of Resilience
Shazier’s presence on the Steelers’ coaching staff is more than a feel-good story; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His journey from the pinnacle of his playing career to the depths of injury and back again serves as an inspiration to teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
In my vision, I would love to be a head coach down the road. Every time I strive for something, I always try to strive to be the best and go to the top. I’m just going to take it one day at a time and hopefully I can get it.
– Ryan Shazier on his coaching aspirations
As he navigates this new chapter, Shazier’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the gridiron. He is a living embodiment of resilience, a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination and heart. While his playing days may be over, his legacy endures—a beacon of hope for all who face adversity.
In the tapestry of NFL lore, Ryan Shazier’s story will forever stand out—a narrative of courage, perseverance, and undying love for the game. As he embarks on this new journey, one thing is certain: the same indomitable spirit that defined his playing career will propel him to even greater heights as a coach. For Shazier, the best is yet to come.