After suffering a spinal injury in a December game that left him without feeling in his legs, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker posted a picture of himself standing alongside quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Thursday to announce that he was being discharged from the hospital.
A tweet from the official University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Twitter account said that Shazier, 25, ‘will transition to an outpatient therapy program through the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services.’
Shazier suffered a serious spinal injury during Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4 and had spinal stablilization surgery three days later.
Ryan Shazier (left) pictured with a lower-leg brace on his left calf alongside quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Shazier had not been seen standing publicly since suffering a spinal injury
One month after the injury and with Shazier still hospitalized, his father told WPXI-Pittsburgh on January 4 that his son was improving and had regained feeling in his legs.
Shazier’s post also pictured him standing with a lower-leg brace alongside medical staff and another shot of him sitting at home with his family.
In the post, Shazier wrote, ‘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,’ he continued.
Despite not playing most of the final month of the season, Shazier was voted to his second Pro Bowl in four NFL seasons after recording 68 tackles, three interceptions and a career-best 10 passes defended.
Shazier was carted off the field after suffering his spinal injury on December 4 in Cincinnati
The fourth-year veteran was still a presence at the Pro Bowl last weekend, as other Steelers players honored their injured teammate with the linebacker pictured on their cleats during the game. Steelers players in the game also wore T-shirts underneath their jerseys to pay tribute to Shazier.
It is not yet known if Shazier will ever play football again.
Shazier went on to thank a number of individuals in his Instagram post.
‘I want to take a moment to thank the people who have helped me the past two months,’ he wrote. ‘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’
A Baltimore Ravens fan holds up a sign honoring Ryan Shazier on December 10