Steelers Ryan Shazier Formally Announces Retirement

PITTSBURGH, PA - Steelers lineback Ryan Shazier officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, nearly three years after suffering a devastating spinal cord injury that initially left him unable to walk.

Shazier made the announcement in an emotional Twitter post.

"Football gave me everything I ever wanted and more. It taught me about hard work, dedication, teamwork," Shazier said.

"It took me to college and the NFL. It made me money and gave me a life most people could only dream about. I'm here today to make sure the world knows how much I still love football, how
grateful I am for everything football gave me. And I'm here to let the world know that today I am officially retiring from the game I love so much."

Shazier, a first-round pick in 2014, was placed on the reserve-retired list earlier this year by the Steelers. The linebacker was a two-time Pro Bowl pick before suffering his career-ending injury in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in December 2017.