Ryan Dean Shazier is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. His professional career was cut short due to a spinal injury suffered during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in December 2017. The injury required spinal stabilization surgery and left him temporarily paralyzed. Despite the severity of the injury, Shazier made a remarkable recovery, regaining his ability to walk. Although he never played professional football again, he officially retired from the NFL in 2020. He remains an inspirational figure, known for his determination and resilience.
September 6, 1992: Ryan Shazier Born
Ryan Dean Shazier was born on September 6, 1992.
2012: Successful Season at Ohio State
In 2012, Shazier started all 12 regular season games for Ohio State, leading the Big Ten Conference with 17 tackles for a loss and placing second with 115 tackles. He also had 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
2013: All-American Honors
In 2013, Shazier tied the school record with 16 solo tackles and 5 tackles for loss in a game against Indiana. He was voted a first-team All-American by several organizations and led the Big Ten with 143 tackles.
January 5, 2014: Enters NFL Draft
On January 5, 2014, Shazier announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft.
June 5, 2014: Signs with Steelers
On June 5, 2014, Shazier signed a four-year, $9.50 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
October 26, 2014: Returns from Injury
On October 26, 2014, Shazier returned from a knee injury to play against the Indianapolis Colts.
2014: NFL Draft
Ryan Shazier was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.
September 10, 2015: Season Opener
Shazier started the 2015 season opener against the New England Patriots.
November 29, 2015: Concussion
Shazier sustained a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks on November 29, 2015.
December 20, 2015: First Career Interception
Shazier made his first career interception against the Denver Broncos on December 20, 2015.
January 9, 2016: Key Play in Wildcard Game
On January 9, 2016, Shazier forced a fumble that led to the game-winning field goal in the AFC Wildcard game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
November 20, 2016: Sack and Win vs. Browns
Shazier recorded a sack and helped the Steelers defeat the Cleveland Browns on November 20, 2016.
December 25, 2016: Interception and Playoff Clinching Victory
On December 25, 2016, Shazier made an interception in a win against the Baltimore Ravens, clinching a playoff spot for the Steelers.
2016: Pro Bowl Selection
Ryan Shazier was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016.
January 8, 2017: Interception in Wildcard Game
Shazier recorded an interception in the AFC Wildcard game against the Miami Dolphins on January 8, 2017.
January 15, 2017: Interception in Divisional Round
Shazier intercepted Alex Smith in the Divisional Round victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 15, 2017.
April 24, 2017: Contract Option Picked Up
The Steelers picked up the fifth-year option on Shazier's contract on April 24, 2017.
May 2017: Shazier Writes About Experiences with Alopecia and Hair Regrowth
In May 2017, Ryan Shazier wrote about his experiences with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that prevents hair growth, and how he was ridiculed for it as a child. He discussed his parents' support and his development of an altruistic temperament in response to the taunting. He also wrote about his hair unexpectedly beginning to grow back.
September 10, 2017: Strong Performance vs. Browns
On September 10, 2017, Shazier had a strong game against the Cleveland Browns, tying a career-high with 11 solo tackles and forcing two fumbles.
December 4, 2017: Spinal Injury
On December 4, 2017, Shazier suffered a spinal contusion during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
December 19, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection
Despite his injury, Shazier was named to his second Pro Bowl on December 19, 2017.
2017: Spinal Injury
During a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, Shazier suffered a spinal contusion after a tackle, requiring spinal stabilization surgery.
February 28, 2018: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert Announces Shazier Will Not Play in 2018 Season
On February 28, 2018, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert announced that Ryan Shazier would not play during the 2018 season.
April 26, 2018: Shazier Announces Terrell Edmunds as 28th Pick of NFL Draft
On April 26, 2018, Ryan Shazier walked onto the AT&T Stadium stage with his fiancée and announced the 28th pick in the NFL draft, Terrell Edmunds.
November 30, 2018: Shazier Jogs for First Time Since Spinal Stabilization Surgery
On November 30, 2018, Ryan Shazier jogged for the first time since undergoing spinal stabilization surgery.
2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100
In 2018, Shazier was ranked 47th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
January 2019: Birth of Shazier's Second Son
In January 2019, Ryan Shazier and Michelle Rodriguez welcomed their son.
April 29, 2019: Steelers Place Shazier on Reserve/PUP List, Ending 2019 Season
On April 29, 2019, the Steelers placed Ryan Shazier on the reserve/PUP list, ending his 2019 season.
May 3, 2019: Shazier Marries Michelle Rodriguez
On May 3, 2019, Ryan Shazier married Michelle Rodriguez, seventeen months after suffering a spinal injury. Notably, he was able to dance at his wedding.
2019: Shazier Returns to College
In 2019, Ryan Shazier returned to Ohio State University to continue his education.
March 17, 2020: Shazier Placed on Reserve/Retired List
On March 17, 2020, Ryan Shazier was placed on the Steelers' reserve/retired list, effectively ending his playing career.
September 9, 2020: Shazier Announces Retirement from NFL
On September 9, 2020, Ryan Shazier officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
December 2020: Shazier Graduates from Ohio State University
Ryan Shazier graduated from his alma mater, Ohio State University, in December 2020, after returning to college in the fall of 2019.
2020: Retirement from Football
After two seasons on the Steelers' physically unable to perform list, Shazier announced his retirement from football in 2020.
January 2023: Shazier Launches Cannabis Product Line
In January 2023, Ryan Shazier partnered with Organic Remedies to launch "Steel City Greats," a line of cannabis products. Shazier stated he sought a natural alternative to opioid pain medications while recovering from his spinal injury and found cannabis helpful for pain management.
November 2023: Shazier Accused of Infidelity
In November 2023, Ryan Shazier was accused of infidelity by his wife, Michelle Rodriguez, and it was also discovered he had sent text messages to a reported girlfriend.