On Wednesday, Ryan Shazier walked up to the podium with the aid of a cane and spoke to reporters about his dream of playing football in the NFL again.
Ryan Shazier walks to the podium pic.twitter.com/VOucpsafwH
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) June 6, 2018
As you likely know, Shazier suffered an injury to his spine during the 2017 NFL season that at one point seemed like it could keep him from ever walking again. He’s made strides in his recovery and has been an inspiration along the way.
#Steelers LB Ryan Shazier: "I think back to my first steps … me and my family were crying."
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) June 6, 2018
During his press conference Wednesday, Shazier admitted he understands his road to recovery is “going to be a long journey,” per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, while noting, “I’m looking forward to rehab and every day getting better.”
Shazier also said he dreams of playing football in the NFL again.
“My dream is to come back and play football again,” he said. “I have that in the back of my mind every day I go to rehab. I’m trying to stay positive every day. … They feel like I’m doing a lot better than expected.”
The next step in Shazier’s recovery is to be able to walk without the assistance of a cane. He also said he hopes he can help the Steelers as a sort of coach this coming season while he remains unable to play.
We wish him well as he continues to walk this long road of recovery.