Ryan Shazier has been discharged from UPMC

[tube517]

https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh...ving-114511088

shazier I’ve had a lot of 1st downs at UPMC, but you know being the defensive guy I am, my mind is on 3 and out. With that being said, I want everyone to know that I’m moving on to the next step of the process. Today’s a big day for me as I’m officially being released from the hospital.

I want to take a moment to thank the people who have helped me the past two months. First and foremost, I want to thank God because at the end of the day I don’t think I’d be making progress without His vision and hands protecting me and my family. I will continue to trust in Him and thank Him, because it all starts with Him.

To my family: you’ve been my rock. Words can’t express how thankful I am for you Michelle, RJ, Mom, Dad, and VJ for always being there for me. You’re my everything.

To Jerome: my trainer and best friend. Thank you for being there from day 1 and every day after continuing to push me to be better every day.

I’d like to thank Dr. Okonkwo, Dr. Harrington, Dr. Maroon, and Dr. Schroeder for their amazing work on my procedure and continuous care. I can’t appropriately express how grateful I am for how quickly you’ve helped me bounce back.

I want to thank the medical staff at UPMC for their amazing care, support and therapy they have given me- especially Joe, Nikki, Karolina and Dani. I know the staff will continue to help me find a way to keep on pushing as we continue therapy.

The support from my teammates has been truly amazing. From former players to current players and their families- they have helped me and my family day to day with visits and gifts. We can’t thank you enough. I want to thank Mr. Rooney, Coach T, Mr. Colbert, and the entire Steelers organization for the unwavering support they’ve given me. I knew they were an amazing organization, but more than ever they’re family to me.

Lastly, I want to thank Jimmy, Candice, and the CAA Sports staff for being here when I need them most. I don’t know if I’d be where I’m at or making the progress I’m making without you guys.

I want everyone to know that all of the support and prayers are absolutely being answered. I will continue to work hard and push and find a way back. #Shalieve #Steelers #prayfor50

[steelreserve]

Well he can stand, sort of. Still great news for him. I don't think we'll ever see him on the field again, but if he can even get back to walking around normally, that's a win.

[Fire Goodell]

Great news! Seeing him standing again makes me happy

[zulater]

Well he can stand, sort of. Still great news for him. I don't think we'll ever see him on the field again, but if he can even get back to walking around normally, that's a win.

It is. And I don't want to see him on a field ever again. His head's down attacking of the ball carrier could result in permanent disablement or worse if there was a next time. We'd be holding our breath every time he went in head first on a hit. Maybe he could change his style? But if he did would he be the same player? If you play against your natural inclination do you have the same game impact? I doubt it. His tackling style should have been addressed years ago. Maybe it was, and he was incapable of adjusting his game? And of course his game was at such a high level you cringed and dealt with the risk to his health and the numerous times he over ran plays because of his head down attacks.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Amazing. By the way Shazier and his dad have talked about it, it looks like he's fully intent on returning but I sure hope not. Be healthy Ryan.

Anyone know what that brace on his calf is?

[pczach]

Amazing. By the way Shazier and his dad have talked about it, it looks like he's fully intent on returning but I sure hope not. Be healthy Ryan.

Anyone know what that brace on his calf is?

Just a guess. There are pressure points at that level that can relieve back pain by putting pressure on the nerves at that point of the calf.

Could just be a strained calf from the rehab. No way to know for sure.

[tube517]

[silver & black]

That's great news. I really hope doesn't play again. It just isn't worth the gamble.

[86WARD]

I can’t wait to see him back on the field stronger than ever.

[Hawkman]

I can’t wait to see him back on the field stronger than ever.

That is an awesome photo of two of them.

[st33lersguy]

YAY!!!!!

[Mojouw]

Excited for Ryan and his family. Honestly hope he never plays another down. Very few things are worth risking your life for. NFL is not one of them. But I don't have to make that call.


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[Lady Steel]

It's so wonderful seeing Ryan standing with or without help. Yes, it is a great photo of the two of them and makes me smile.

[stillers4me]

Winning!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Good to see him up and out of hospital. I hope he gets back full function of his legs, but honestly don't think he ever plays football again.

If he does play football, I hope he hears the words of former Buckeye Chris Spielman about tackling. "Eyes up, heads up, wrap up", because that positioning of his head and eyes down that he tackled with isn't a good position.

[Moose]

Thank God - it's so great to see Ryan standing and smiling ! Now comes the hard work for him. I hope he keeps his motivation at the 'high' level he has. Walking will be the next big 'win' for him. The big and final hurdle for him will be months/year down the road, the decision of returning to football. A day to sit alone and do some serious meditation. Maybe in the coaching form, GOD knows we need good Defensive coaches !

[DesertSteel]

I want to see Ryan do whatever makes him happy. If that's football, I hope he plays miraculously again with the same passion and athleticism, but smarter.

[Craic]

Great to hear. I agree with Zu, however, I'll be holding my breath every time he is within 10 feet of someone if he comes back. Nevertheless, if his doctors give him a full release and he can play without danger of reinjury, then good on him. Just glad to see him up.

[AtlantaDan]

Great to hear. I agree with Zu, however, I'll be holding my breath every time he is within 10 feet of someone if he comes back. Nevertheless, if his doctors give him a full release and he can play without danger of reinjury, then good on him. Just glad to see him up.

Agreed

Also glad the players’ union got something right for once and that the fifth year option is 100% guaranteed for injury rather than for some lesser amount - $8 million does not restore physical health but is provides financial security

[vader29]

[BlackAndGold]

Just great news. Doctors are amazing.

[86WARD]

Reports today was he’s up and walking.

[Craic]

Agreed

Also glad the players’ union got something right for once and that the fifth year option is 100% guaranteed for injury rather than for some lesser amount - $8 million does not restore physical health but is provides financial security

I think there needs to be a waiver on the cap as well. If something like this happens and the player can't playing the following year because of serious injury (not retirement, but injury), the salary does not count against the cap.

[AtlantaDan]

Schefter, who is not a doctor but plays one on twitter, might have overstated the actual extent of the progress, which nevertheless is encouraging.

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has clarified his status as he progresses in his rehab from spinal stabilization surgery.Shazier used Twitter to call a report from NBC Sports' Michele Tafoya "100 percent correct" that his lower-body movement is a work in process.

"Although he does have movement in his legs, he is not walking on his own," said Tafoya, citing a source close to Shazier who said the linebacker wanted to clarify his status. "Shazier needs assistance from a walker or other people or to support him in his rehabilitation walking, which remains a struggle."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2...lking-progress

[BlackAndGold]

Ryan is at the Pens game.

[AtlantaDan]

Ryan is at the Pens game.

[BlackAndGold]

Just amazing.

[GBMelBlount]

I want to see Ryan do whatever makes him happy.

If that's football,

I hope he plays miraculously again with the same passion and athleticism, but smarter.

Yes and yes.

Reading this brought tears to my eyes.

His attitude and thankfulness is amazing.

His glass is overflowing.

Truly inspirational.

[pczach]

Absolutely awesome! Wow!

[lipps83]

That is pretty awesome. Probably the best thing I have seen in weeks. Much love.