Everyone is aware of the tragedy turned to perseverance that former Buckeye linebacker and current Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier has shown us. His ability to go from being told that he’d potentially never walk again to dancing at his wedding, is the kind of thing you show your kids to teach them about the human spirit.
That’s clearly not lost on the folks at the Pro Football Writer’s of America. On Monday, the organization selected Shazier as the recipient of the George Halas Award given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. Other finalists for the award were Steelers running back James Connor, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman, retired Texans safety Andre Hal, and Cots quarterback Andrew Luck.
Shazier suffered a spinal contusion making a head-first tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals late in the 2017 season. He was unable to feel or move his legs at the onset, but after spinal stabilization surgery a few days later has continued to make remarkable progress in his recovery.
He’s now able to walk without assistance and continues to be a part of, and around the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. He vows to one day return to playing the game he loves — and at this point — who would bet against him?
Watch and be amazed at how far Shazier continues to go on this journey that’s already gone further than the medical field believed it ever could.
