Arguably the saddest moment in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers occurred during the injury of Ryan Shazier. He suffered a spinal contusion during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury would leave the Pro Bowl linebacker paralyzed from the waist down. Over time, Shazier has been able to reteach himself how to walk again and has become an inspiration to many people. He has done many things to impact the life of others and has recently released his own line of medical marijuana and a better option to treat pain.
Photo by John Sommers II/UPI
Cincinnati Bengals half back Giovani Bernard (25) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Shazier (50) during the first half of play at Paul Brown Stadium Monday in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Discussed How Much He Loved The Steelers
Shazier has always looked to be on the positive side of things and has always been grateful for his time in Pittsburgh. He has spoken many times about how classy the Steelers are and how he thinks they are one of the greatest originations in the league. Recently he went and spoke on the 2nd Wind podcast and discussed how much he loved the Steelers.
Ryan Shazier worked hard to cement himself as the high-flying anchor of the @steelers LB group.
— 2nd Wind Podcast (@2ndWindPod) August 8, 2023
In his fifth NFL season, he was eyeing a massive payday in the offseason…
And then one hit changed everything.
Shazier suffered a spinal contusion in a head-on collision that left… pic.twitter.com/pM9BTQ95UT
While on there, one of the things that he had mentioned was an argument that he had with one of his friends. He was asked hypothetically if a massive offer ever came up to leave Pittsburgh for the Cleveland Browns for better pay, which would he take?
"I had an argument with one of my friends before. He was like, 'Would you rather go to the Browns for $100 million, or would you rather stay with the Steelers for like $70 to $80 million?'"
Shazier would go on and say what every Steelers fan's answer would be and take the cut, rather than have to play in Cleveland. The main factor was simple. Shazier wanted to win a championship, and everyone knew that it wouldn't happen in Cleveland.
"I would rather stay with the Steelers for $70 million." Shazier then said, "For me, it's about winning. I can't imagine going to a job every single day and knowing you're going to take a loss. I'm trying to win and get championships."
Karl Roser /Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers former linebacker, Ryan Shazier sprinting at then-Heinz Field during a professional football game.
Although he may not be able to play on the field anymore, Shazier shows his support off it all the time. He has even been able to make an appearance at this year's training camp. Just another example of the Steelers alumni coming back to support this great organization.
This photo of Mike Tomlin and Ryan Shazier is one of the reasons I'm a Steelers fan. The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't just a football organization, they're a family. pic.twitter.com/mK5vZhG5ww
— Billy Hartford (@BudDupreeFan) August 7, 2023
Although he was never able to reach his full potential, what Shazier was able to do in the little time in the league was spectacular. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 George Halas Award winner, which is given to a player that had to overcome the most adversity. During his span in the league, he recorded 299 total tackles, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, seven interceptions, and one remarkable story.
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, center, gives signals from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019.
Although Shazier has come out and said now that he wouldn't have ever played for the Browns, even if they offered him $30 million more, can you blame the guy? The way the city of Pittsburgh supported him during the darkest time of his life, you would almost have to feel this way. He has turned himself into an icon and is beloved all around Pittsburgh.
So, what do you think about Shazier's remarks? Let me know in the comments below!
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