Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier said in a podcast hosted by Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix (Twitter link) that he intends to play football again and still has Hall of Fame aspirations after sustaining a spinal injury while making a tackle against the Bengals on Dec. 4.
Shazier was speaking publicly for the first time since the injury. The two-time Pro-Bowler underwent spinal stabilization surgery in December.
“I got to get back,” Shazier said on the podcast. “Right now I’m reading a book and it’s basically saying trust the process. I’m really trusting the process. I know the end goal. So I’m taking every step of the way, I’m giving everything I got. The therapists are like, ‘Man this is crazy; I’ve never seen anyone work this hard.’ They almost see progression every day.”
Shazier, 25, racked up 68 tackles and 11 pass defenses through 12 games prior to the injury and was still selected to the Pro Bowl. He also logged 55 tackles in each of the previous two seasons. He’s made several public appearances since the injury, with the latest one coming at Tuesday’s Penguins game, and has provided updates on his recovery process through social media.
Here’s more from around the AFC North:
- Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer takes a look at some questions facing the Browns‘ receiving corps this offseason, including a reunion with Terrelle Pryor. The Redskins signed Pryor to a one-year $6MM deal last offseason after the Browns converted the former Ohio State quarterback to wide receiver full time in 2015. Cabot also breaks down some questions facing Josh Gordon and 2016 first-round pick Corey Coleman.
- Martavis Bryant was identified as a potential trade candidate this offseason as Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com went over some of the players most likely to move via trade. The emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster coupled with the fact that Bryant requested a trade in a trade in October make him a prime candidate. Bryant did tell reporters in January, though, that he’d like to return to the Steelers next season and would be ready for OTAs. Bryant had a career-low three touchdown catches last season despite playing in a career-high 15 games.
- It was reported Wednesday that pending Ravens free agent tight end Crockett Gillmore is looking to move to the offensive line.
I really hope they keep Martavis even beyond next year. He’s got great speed and size. If Shazier can return, that’d be a miracle
Browns need to get things right this time or they will be as good as last years record was
Not a Browns fan but, I like the new front office. Experienced with good track records. Between the boat load of cap space money and all the draft picks they have, I don’t see them being near as bad as last few years. Possibly 4-7 wind.
Hopefully Dorsey stays true to his word and goes with the BPA at each pick.
That would be a nice, for a change.
I’m still praying for you Ryan! Good luck to ya!
Me too. Amen.