What Happened to Ryan Shazier? Is Ryan Shazier Still Paralyzed? What Disease Does Ryan Shazier Have?
by Mathelene
Updated Dec 20, 2023
What Happened to Ryan Shazier?
Ryan Shazier, a former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, suffered a severe injury during a football game in 2017. While making a routine tackle, he dove headfirst and experienced a sharp pain in his lower back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors gave him a slim 20 percent chance of walking again. Despite this, Shazier approached his recovery with an unwavering positive mindset.
Drawing strength from overcoming challenges in his youth, like being diagnosed with alopecia areata, he focused on small milestones in his rehabilitation. Through consistent effort, he began feeling in his legs within a month, walked with assistance after two months, and remarkably danced at his wedding less than two years after the injury. Shazier's story highlights the power of determination and a positive attitude in overcoming adversity.
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Who is Ryan Shazier?
Ryan Dean Shazier is a former American professional football player known for his time as a linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes before being selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Shazier enjoyed successful initial seasons, earning a Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. However, in a 2017 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he suffered a paralyzing injury while attempting a head-first tackle.
This led to spinal stabilization surgery and a challenging journey to relearn how to walk. Despite spending two seasons on the physically unable to perform list, Shazier officially retired from football in 2020. His story reflects both achievements and the resilience required to overcome significant adversity.
Full Name
Ryan Dean Shazier
Date of Birth
September 6, 1992
Birthplace
Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, USA
Position
Linebacker
College
Ohio State University
NFL Draft
2014, Round 1, Pick 15 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
NFL Debut
September 7, 2014 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Height
6 ft 1+1⁄8 in (1.86 m)
Weight
237 lb (108 kg)
Ryan Shazier Age
As of 2023, Ryan Shazier is 31 years old. He was born on September 6, 1992. Ryan Shazier initially committed to playing football for Urban Meyer at Florida but changed his decision when Meyer resigned as head coach. He then chose to play under Jim Tressel at Ohio State but faced another coaching change when Tressel resigned, with Urban Meyer later taking over.
Shazier's freshman season saw him play in every regular game, starting three, and making a significant impact with 57 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2012, Shazier started all 12 regular-season games, showcasing notable performances, including a game-deciding touchdown against Penn State and key plays against Wisconsin.
He led the Big Ten in tackles for loss and ranked second in total tackles. The following year, he had a standout game against Indiana, earning first-team All-American honors with 143 tackles, 6 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Shazier decided to enter the 2014 NFL Draft, concluding his successful career at Ohio State with 315 tackles, 208 solo tackles, and 14.5 sacks.
Ryan Shazier Career
Ryan Shazier, a former Ohio State football standout, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Shazier started his professional career as the starting left inside linebacker. In his debut season, he faced injuries but showcased promise with 36 tackles.
The following seasons saw Shazier's continued growth, with notable performances, including an interception in the AFC wild card game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. However, in a Monday Night Football game in 2017, Shazier sustained a severe spinal injury during a head-on tackle, leading to spinal stabilization surgery and ending his season. Despite the setback, he was named to the Pro Bowl and later announced his retirement in 2020 due to the challenges posed by the injury.
Is Ryan Shazier Still Paralyzed?
No, Ryan Shazier is not still paralyzed. Despite a severe spinal injury during a football game in 2017 that initially left him paralyzed from the waist down, Shazier approached his recovery with a positive mindset and determination. Through consistent rehabilitation efforts and setting small milestones, he regained feeling in his legs within a month, walked with assistance after two months, and ultimately danced at his wedding less than two years after the injury. Shazier's inspiring journey showcases his successful recovery from paralysis.
What Disease Does Ryan Shazier Have?
Ryan Shazier does not have a specific disease. In childhood, Ryan Shazier was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss. Despite facing challenges and being called names during his youth due to this condition, Shazier drew strength from overcoming adversity. This background of triumph over difficulties became a source of positive reinforcement during his later recovery from a severe spinal injury that initially left him paralyzed.
What Happened to Ryan Shazier? - FAQs
Ryan Shazier suffered a severe spinal injury during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2017.
Shazier sustained a spinal contusion, leading to spinal stabilization surgery and the end of his 2017 NFL season.
Shazier was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Shazier faced injuries, including a knee injury and an ankle injury, during his early NFL seasons.
Shazier achieved significant success at Ohio State, earning All-American honors and leading the Big Ten in tackles for loss.