Shazier Still Intends to Play Football Again

[Steeler Nation]

Ryan Shazier took the podium following the Steelers practice on Wednesday for the first time since his devastating injury against the Bengals. Ryan Shazier walks to the podium pic.twitter.com/VOucpsafwH — Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) June 6, 2018 He started by thanking everyone that has taken care of him, prayed for him, or had any part in […]

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[Ron Burgundy]

For his own good I'd rather not see that happen.

 

[AggieSteel]

Well, if that's what he wants, then I sincerely hope that happens for him. Not because the fan in me wants to see him on the field again, but because it is his life and playing football is a goal of his so I hope he can achieve it. I can't say I wouldn't be afraid for him watching him run around tackling people, but I know it would be hard not to feel happy and proud for him battling all the way back like that.

 

[Coach]

Ryan,

Just Don't. You're lucky to be walking.

 

[Steelr4evr]

It's a long shot I'd figure, but hey whatever makes you happy. People die from stupid **** everyday. May as well go out doing something you love.

...the logical side of me with common sense

You've made a **** ton of money. You don't have to work again. Enjoy your family, be happy and **** football. You're walking and not sitting in a chair wheeling yourself around...or even worse a talking drooling head with no movement at all.

I'd pursue coaching or just chill in the sun sucking down a tasty beverage on the beach.

 

[ZonaBurgh]

A passion for something is what gives someone purpose in live, and we all share that.

If Ryan want to pursue playing again, who are we to judge him?

That said, although he has made remarkable progress from last fall, I think the odds of him being physically able to play on a professional level again are very slim.

But if that's what gets him out of bed every day, more power to him.

 

[mightyguru]

Everybody's gotta have a dream.

 

[DBS1970]

It won't happen. Even if he regains full normal motion, strength in his legs and speed no team doctor will clear him.

 

[Steelerz99]

If it motivates him to recover, to be in the zone on a daily basis and keep fighting, then by all means have a dream. But I agree, who's going to clear him to play?

 

[Superman]

hopefully he means this

 

[Bluesteel]

I have to believe, as Zona expressed, it helps him get out of bed each day to have a goal like playing professionally again. That deep down in the recesses of his mind or in his heart, the truth is there that he can't ever play at the highest level again, but if he lets that come to the forefront of his mind, it will make it that much harder to find the efforts towards just getting back to a normal quality of life. He has even subtly begun to express differently his likelihood of playing again, initially coming out as though he WILL play again, and at this time expressing "my dream is to come back." At 9 or 10 years old, playing little league football, I had a dream I'd play in the NFL. Every day passing was one more day closer to realizing more and more, it is going to be just a dream, but that dream and love of the game keeps you playing through Jr. high, JV and high school. His dream is likely the psychological edge he needs to train like only a professional can, but really to get to normal. Sad realization, but prayers to him for recovery, both physically and mentally.