Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier continues to defy all odds. Shazier is still recovering from a spinal contusion suffered in Week 13 of the 2017-18 NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was initially believed that Shazier had been paralyzed. However, since the injury, with left him without feeling in his legs, the linebacker has been making positive progress and has even begun walking with assistance.
Shazier has also been sharing his progress on social media and made public appearances like at the 2018 NFL Draft when he walked across the stage under his own power to announce the Steelers pick.
His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous and now he has reached another incredible milestone.
On Sunday, April 7, Shazier posted a video of a workout where he shows just how far he has come. It was just two years ago that people questioned whether Shazier would ever walk again, and now we see him completing three-foot box jumps in the gym.
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Shazier’s father, Vernon, discussed his son’s recovery with ESPN and admitted there is still a lot of work to do, but Ryan has been an inspiration.
“He’s grinding every day. It’s been very intense,” he told the Worldwide Leader in Sports. “He’s come a long way but has a long ways to go. We’re grateful for the progress he’s achieved. He’s been dedicated to doing all he can to make as much progress as he can. We don’t have a ceiling, just working day to day.
“You know how the journey began, so to see him do that is very encouraging.”
Shazier remains under contract with the Steelers and is listed on the team’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Because he is still on the roster, he continues to count years in his career towards NFL pension.
