History of Ryan Shazier in Timeline

Ryan 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. A promising career was tragically cut short due to a severe spinal injury sustained during a 2017 game. While he never played again, Shazier's determination and rehabilitation became an inspirational story.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 6, 1992: Ryan Shazier's Birth

On September 6, 1992, Ryan Shazier was born. He later became a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Started all 12 Games for Ohio State

In 2012, Ryan Shazier started all 12 regular season games for Ohio State, leading the Big Ten Conference with 17 tackles for a loss and placing second in the league with 115 tackles.

2013: All-American Selection

In 2013, Ryan Shazier was voted a first-team All-American by multiple sources after posting over 20 tackles against Indiana and leading the Big Ten with 143 tackles.

January 5, 2014: Declared for NFL Draft

On January 5, 2014, Ryan Shazier announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft.

June 5, 2014: Signed with Steelers

On June 5, 2014, Ryan Shazier signed a four-year, $9.50 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a signing bonus of $5.23 million.

October 26, 2014: Returned from Knee Injury

On October 26, 2014, Ryan Shazier returned from a knee injury against the Indianapolis Colts, finishing the game with four tackles.

2014: Drafted by Steelers

In 2014, Ryan Shazier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft.

September 10, 2015: Season Opener vs Patriots

On September 10, 2015, Ryan Shazier made five solo tackles and two assists in the season opener against the New England Patriots.

November 29, 2015: Concussion vs Seahawks

On November 29, 2015, Ryan Shazier sustained a concussion and left in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks.

December 20, 2015: Interception vs Broncos

On December 20, 2015, Ryan Shazier made his first career interception, picking off Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, and recorded three pass deflections.

January 9, 2016: Forced Fumble vs Bengals

On January 9, 2016, during the AFC Wildcard game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan Shazier stripped the ball from Jeremy Hill, leading to the game-winning field goal.

November 20, 2016: Sack vs Browns

On November 20, 2016, Ryan Shazier had seven total tackles, a pass deflection, and a sack against the Cleveland Browns.

December 25, 2016: Playoff Clinching Interception vs Ravens

On December 25, 2016, Ryan Shazier recorded ten combined tackles and intercepted Joe Flacco in a playoff-clinching victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

2016: Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2016, Ryan Shazier had a Pro Bowl appearance, marking a successful period in his NFL career.

January 8, 2017: Interception vs Dolphins

On January 8, 2017, Ryan Shazier recorded six combined tackles and intercepted Matt Moore in the AFC Wildcard game against the Miami Dolphins.

January 15, 2017: Interception vs Chiefs

On January 15, 2017, Ryan Shazier recorded 5 combined tackles and intercepted Alex Smith in the Steelers' Divisional Round victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

April 24, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 24, 2017, the Steelers picked up the fifth-year option on Ryan Shazier's contract.

May 2017: Wrote About Alopecia Experience

In May 2017, Ryan Shazier wrote about his experiences with alopecia, including the ridicule he faced during childhood and his reaction when his hair unexpectedly began growing back.

September 10, 2017: Career High Game

On September 10, 2017, Ryan Shazier tied a career-high with 11 solo tackles and forced a career-high of two forced fumbles during a victory over the Browns.

December 4, 2017: Severe Back Injury

On December 4, 2017, during a Monday Night Football game against the Bengals, Ryan Shazier sustained a severe back injury after a head-on tackle, resulting in a spinal contusion.

December 19, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection

Despite his injury, on December 19, 2017, Ryan Shazier was named to his second Pro Bowl.

2017: Spinal Injury

During the 2017 season, Ryan Shazier sustained a severe spinal injury during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading to spinal stabilization surgery.

February 28, 2018: Ruled Out for 2018 Season

On February 28, 2018, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert announced that Ryan Shazier would not be able to play during the 2018 season due to his injury.

April 26, 2018: Draft Pick Announcement

On April 26, 2018, Ryan Shazier walked onto the AT&T Stadium stage to announce the 28th pick of the NFL draft.

November 30, 2018: First Jog After Surgery

On November 30, 2018, Ryan Shazier jogged for the first time since his spinal stabilization surgery.

2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2018, Ryan Shazier was ranked 47th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

January 2019: Birth of Son

In January 2019, Ryan Shazier and Michelle Rodriguez had a son.

April 29, 2019: Placed on Reserve/PUP List

On April 29, 2019, the Steelers placed Ryan Shazier on the reserve/PUP list, ending his 2019 season.

May 3, 2019: Marriage to Michelle Rodriguez

On May 3, 2019, Ryan Shazier married Michelle Rodriguez. He was able to dance at his wedding, seventeen months after suffering the spinal injury that doctors feared would leave him paralyzed.

2019: Returned to College

In the fall of 2019, Ryan Shazier returned to college at Ohio State University.

March 17, 2020: Placed on Reserve/Retired List

On March 17, 2020, the Steelers placed Ryan Shazier on the reserve/retired list, effectively ending his playing career.

September 9, 2020: Retirement Announcement

On September 9, 2020, Ryan Shazier officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

December 2020: College Graduation

In December 2020, Ryan Shazier graduated from Ohio State University.

2020: Retirement from Football

In 2020, Ryan Shazier officially announced his retirement from professional football after spending two seasons on the Steelers' physically unable to perform list due to a spinal injury sustained in 2017.

January 2023: Launch of Cannabis Product Line

In January 2023, Ryan Shazier partnered with Organic Remedies to launch a cannabis product line named Steel City Greats, citing its benefits for pain management during his recovery.