Watch: Ryan Shazier Walks Across Field at Steelers Practice
It’s unlikely that Ryan Shazier will ever play football again.
But there’s even less of a chance that the Steelers linebacker will cease to inspire us on a regular basis.
The latest chapter of “Shalieve” comes from the first week of training camp, where the two-time Pro Bowler amazed fans yet again.
First, take a look at Shazier a few days ago, watching his team practice and walking with his cane.
Ryan Shazier walking with the Steelers linebackers during drills. pic.twitter.com/fGOjo5I7Lk
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 27, 2018
On Friday, less than one week later, this happened.
Today was a great day. The team had a wonderful practice. But I also got to enjoy the fans‼️ If you were able to make it to the stadium, here if a little bit of what happened‼️ I promise you the lord is not done working yet‼️ 🤫🙏🏽💯 Keep Shalieving 5️⃣0️⃣ #shalieve🙏 pic.twitter.com/LHiRXHa5gN
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) August 4, 2018
In what was an otherwise uneventful practice, a stroll across the field grabbed everyone’s attention — and admiration.
Shazier tweeted, “Today was a great day. The team had a wonderful practice. But I also got to enjoy the fans!! If you were able to make it to the stadium, here’s a little bit of what happened!! I promise you the lord is not done working yet!! Keep Shalieving!!
Check out another angle of his walk, and watch how the fans gave him a standing ovation.
Steelers fans give @RyanShazier a standing ovation as he walks across the 50-yard line without the use of his cane. pic.twitter.com/gWtNrqjWn9
— Chase Williams (@chasepwilliams) August 3, 2018
Last Dec. 4, Shazier suffered a major back injury in a game against Cincinnati.
He underwent spinal stabilization surgery two days later.
Since then, the 25-year-old has worked tirelessly to regain movement in his legs and eventually walk with assistance, all the way to Friday’s casual stroll.
One of the most impressive aspects to Shazier’s recovery has been his willingness to share it with the public.
Two weeks after his injury, the Steelers made sure their fallen teammate felt their love via Facetime.
Ryan Shazier Watches Steelers Locker Room via FaceTime video from Hospital: https://t.co/hbsGJrtNww via @YouTube
— Beau Berman (@BeauReports) December 11, 2017
At this year’s NFL draft, he made the trip to Dallas to announce Pittsburgh’s first-round selection.
Ryan Shazier walks out and announces the Steelers draft pick…Chills pic.twitter.com/ehUvl8BSGk
— JzoSports (@JzoSports) April 27, 2018
But Shazier’s impact hasn’t been limited to football.
When the Penguins needed a boost in this year’s playoffs, they turned to No. 58.
The Steelers have done right by their star as well.
In the salary cap era where every dollar is precious, Pittsburgh picked up the option on Shazier’s contract, guaranteeing him his $8.7 million salary for the season.
Shazier won’t make a single tackle or interception this year, but he’s going to try to earn that contract by inspiring others and not giving up on himself.
Shalieve indeed.
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