Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier ’s career was tragically cut short when he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4, 2017. Shazier was an impact player on the Steelers defense and in the prime of his career. In an instant moment, Shazier’s career and life was dramatically changed.
The injury occurred on a routine play, as Shazier closed in on Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone , who was running a shallow route. Shazier’s helmet was down, however, and when he made contact with Malone’s thigh pads, Shazier collapsed to the ground, grabbing for his lower back.
After spending two seasons on the Steelers’ physically unable to perform list, Shazier announced his retirement from football in 2020. He helped out in the scouting department for a little and was a coaching intern in 2024. Shazier now has a new role with the Steelers, serving as the team’s alumni relations assistant.
“It’s really fun to catch up with some of the former players and also still be involved in the organization. I still live in Pittsburgh, and it really runs through my blood,” Shazier said in an interview with Kyle Odegard of Casino Guru News . “To be able to still be a part of the organization and try to help us win another Lombardi in whatever aspect they ask me to do, I try my best. I try to raise awareness around the brand.”
Shazier feels like his new role is a better fit for him than working as a coach.
“The on-field stuff is amazing, and I really did enjoy it,” he said. “But a better fit for me and where I’m at in my life is more of the off-field stuff, being more engaging with the fans, the sponsors. It’s a better role for me. But it did feel good being a part of the Xs and Os when I was part of it.”
In 2020, Shazier created The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation . The fund’s mission is to provide support, resources, and funding to individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their caregivers to help them live independent lives.
Shazier is grateful to the Steelers organization for supporting him through the injury and continuing to all these years later.
“It means everything. Most people don’t have this type of support when it comes to anything in life,” Shazier said. “Just to be able to have the (Rooney) family support me, the organization support me, have the city behind me through the whole injury — I feel like they’ve seen me grow up in my life. I got drafted here. I’ve been here the whole time. It’s been constant support the whole way through, and I try to give that same love back that they give me.”
Former head coach Mike Tomlin was with Shazier every step of the way in his recovery. It was a bittersweet moment when he heard his former head coach stepped down in January after 19 seasons as the Steelers head coach.
“It is bittersweet seeing him step away from the game. When I think of an NFL head coach, that’s who I think of,” he said. “He’s a great leader. Unfortunately I got hurt during his stint, but I definitely felt like we could have won a Super Bowl when I was there. What happened to me (in 2017) really messed up the morale for a lot of the team.
“But I just think coach Tomlin is a great leader. If he steps away from the game for good, I know he’s going to do an amazing job as an analyst. And then if he wants to come back, whatever team gets him is going to be lucky. He’s an amazing man and does a great job of leading men.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Ryan Shazier Has New Role with Steelers
Related Headlines
