Ryan Shazier

About

Ryan Dean Shazier (; born September 6, 1992) is an American former professional football linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Shazier had a successful first few seasons in the NFL, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. During the 2017 season, in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Shazier attempted to make a head-first tackle that left him a paraplegic, after which he had to have spinal stabilization surgery and learn to walk again. After spending two seasons on the Steelers’ physically unable to perform list, Shazier announced his retirement from football in 2020.

Ryan Dean Shazier was born on September 6, 1992, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Plantation High School in Plantation, Florida.

Shazier initially committed to play for Urban Meyer at Florida but rescinded his commitment after Meyer resigned as the Gators head coach. He then committed to play under Jim Tressel at Ohio State, but Tressel resigned five months later and was eventually replaced with…