It has been five years since Pittsburgh Steelers' elusive linebacker, Ryan Shazier suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury. He has been an inspiration to millions around the world and is still seen in the public eye quite often. Most recently, he joined defensive lineman and team captain, Cameron Heyward on his Not Just Football podcast to discuss several topics about their years together on the field and in Pittsburgh. One of the most interesting things that came up was the linebacker discussing draft day and how he was sure that he was going to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Oct 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) gestures as he takes the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
He detailed the draft day experience and how all of those in his inner-circle were sure that Dallas was going to be the new home for the former Ohio State standout:
"This was around the time of the draft I thought I was going to get drafted, 14th or later. My agent ran up to me and said 'Ryan, I just wanted to let you know with the next pick you're getting picked by the Dallas Cowboys.'"
The funniest part about the whole situation was that Jerry Jones and his front office were sure that he would be available to them when the their selection came, but a certain team swooped in and stole him right out from under them.
"The [Cowboys] called my agent and said 'Ryan, you're getting picked next by the Dallas Cowboys.' The Cowboys were 16, the Pittsburgh Steelers were 15. My dad texted people, 'Ryan's going to Dallas' and then I saw my phone ring and it was a 412 number."
Everyone knows the 412 area code that comes from the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. One can only imagine how confused Shazier was on an emotional day that would end up deciding where he would begin his NFL career. He is happy the way it turned out, however. He always loved head coach, Mike Tomlin and knows he was blessed to become part of such a great organization.
"I'm happy I came to the Steelers because I loved Coach Tomlin growing up. I'll be honest, as an African American male to have an African American coach, that's phenomenal. I knew getting drafted there, we're going to win. He's known for winning. I knew it was going to be a great culture. Being a linebacker in the city of Pittsburgh, it's almost like royalty if you're good."
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) participates in 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Heyward even chimed in and said he knew that the fast and hard-hitting linebacker would become a member of the black and gold. He could tell after watching a couple of coaches, including Tomlin, break down film and see how excited they were about him.
"Every game Ohio State had on, I'd watch Mike T and 'Buts' (former linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Keith Butler) breaking down. 'You see that linebacker? You see him? I like him. If we can get him, we're going to get him.' You could've just asked me. I would have told you," Heyward said.
How stressful do you think Shazier's draft day was with all of the confusion surrounding his future team? Drop a comment below!
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