Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has officially decided to retire from the NFL … nearly 3 years after suffering a serious spinal injury during a game.
The 28-year-old sustained a spinal contusion after attempting a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2017 … and many feared he would be permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
Shazier defied the odds and worked like crazy to rehab following the incident … slowly improving his mobility over the course of the following year — and was eventually able to deadlift and jog.
The Pro Bowler has moved on from his dream of returning to the field for new endeavors on Wednesday … announcing his decision in an emotional video.
“When you play the game of football the way I did, you convince yourself you’re Superman. That nothing can stop you,” Shazier says.
“But then the moment I got hurt, I stopped being Superman and that was difficult to make sense.”
“But, the way I look at it, God put us all here for a purpose. For 20 years, he let me play football and now its time for me to do what he wants me to do.”
“I’m gonna step away from the game for a while and see what else life has to offer. I know football will always be here for me if I need it but right now I’m excited to explore new challenges and different paths.”
Shazier hints he won’t be stepping out of the public eye … and promises to reveal details about his next project soon.
The linebacker goes on to thank all the coaches, fans and doctors who supported him throughout his rehab process … and showing how much they care about him off the field.
“When I got hurt, football may have been taken away for me, but everything it gave me is still here inside.”
“I am incredibly grateful for that and I am truly excited now to discover what’s next. Thank you.”
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