RYAN SHAZIER wasn’t physically in the room when doctors told his parents he had a 20 percent chance of walking again. It was December 6, 2017, just after the spinal stabilization surgery that was meant to protect his spine.
Days earlier, Shazier, a rising star linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had seen his NFL career come to an end on . In what had seemed like a routine play, Shazier dived headfirst at Cincinnati Bengals receiver Josh Malone, who was running across the field. He made contact with Malone’s side and crumpled to the ground, a sharp, burning sensation in his
