Ryan Shazier posts thank you after being released from rehab

The long road for injured Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier took a major step in the right direction on Thursday.

Shazier, who suffered a spine injury this past season, was released from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The Pro Bowler had been in inpatient rehab since early December and will now continue the long process to recovery on an outpatient basis. That’s just some tremendous news right there.

Following news that he was released from rehab, Shazier took to Instagram to thank those who have helped him along the way. More important than that, Shazier was seen standing in the photo. That had not been the case before.

Among those who Shazier thanked in his statement were Steelers owner Dan Rooney, head coach Mike Tomlin and the entire organization. He also made sure to thank those at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Shazier might not even be able to think about playing again. But at the very least, he’s regaining some sense of normalcy in his life. That’s the most important thing right now.