Ryan Shazier

Full name: Ryan Dean Shazier

Born: 6 September 1992 (age 30 years)

Nationality: American

Height: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)

Position: Linebacker

Draft: 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15

Ryan Shazier was a former linebacker in the NFL. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2014 NFL Draft with the 15th pick overall. He played his college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Shazier suffered a career ending injury during the 2017 season while playing against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ryan Shazier’s early life and background

There is not much information about Ryan Shazier’s early life except for the fact that he suffered from alopecia, a condition which prevents hair growth on the body. Due to this, he faced constant taunting. With the support and encouragement from his parents was able to deal with the ridicule in a better way. He completed his school education at Plantation High School in Florida.

Ryan Shazier’s NFL Draft

Ryan Shazier was part of the 2014 NFL Draft where he was selected in the 1st round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a good college career, many of the analysts and scouts predicted that he would be selected somewhere between the early to mid part of the 1st round. AS for outside linebackers, he was ranked as the number 3 prospect. At that year’s NFL Combine, he was praised for his athletic ability as well as agility, production, flexibility, acceleration, strong hands, and lateral movement. Even with all the positive reviews, he also received his fair share of negative comments as he lacked ideal size, and his underdeveloped vision, instincts, anticipation, and awareness. In his draft class, there have been many noteworthy players such as Linebacker Khalil Mack, Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans, Jarvis Landry, and Davante Adams as well as Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Derek Carr.

Ryan Shazier’s NFL Journey

After the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in 2014, he started the season as the left inside linebacker. Due to a couple of different injuries, he missed nearly half of his rookie year. He had a better season in 2015 where he finished with 87 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception. One of his most memorable moments on the field came in the AFC Wild Card Game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he stripped the ball from Jeremy Hill late in the fourth quarter setting up the game winning field goal. Shazier once again put up good numbers in the 2016 season by finishing with 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. In the playoffs, he recorded interruptions in both the AFC Wild Card Round as well as the Divisional Round against the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs respectively. In 2017, in the game against the Cleveland Browns, he had one of his best statistical NFL games ever with 11 solo tackles and forced a career high 2 fumbles.

Ryan Shazier’s Spinal Injury

On December 4, 2017, the Steelers faced the Bengals and it was in this game that Shazier suffered a horrific injury. The injury took place just minutes into the first quarter as he went for a head on tackle. At first, it appeared to be a severe back injury, however, the impact of the hit left him unable to move his legs. After he was assessed in the hospital, it was revealed that Shazier had in fact suffered a spinal contusion. Within a couple of days, he underwent surgery and thus began his recovery phase. Unfortunately for Shazier, the nature of the surgery and injury was such that his 2017 season came to an abrupt end. For the next 2 seasons, the Steelers’ kept him on the reserve/PUP list and on March 17, 2020, the Steelers put him on the reserve/retired list thus bringing an end to his playing career. On September 9, 2020, Shazier decided to officially retire from the game.

Ryan Shazier’s Teams

Pittsburgh Steelers (2014-2019)

Ryan Shazier started his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after he was drafted by them in the 1st round. He played almost 4 seasons with them before his injury brought a premature end to his football career.

Ryan Shazier’s Awards and Honors

Awards

Ryan Shazier’s Net Worth

With his football career coming to an end in just 4 years, Ryan Shazier has reportedly amassed a net worth of $4 million.

Ryan Shazier’s Family

Not much is known about Ryan Shazier’s family. His mother’s name is Shawn Shazier while his father’s name is Vernon Shazier.

Ryan Shazier’s Wife and Kids

Shzier married Michelle Rodriguez on May 3, 2019 which was 17 months after his spinal injury occurred. Doctors were fearful that after his injury, Shazier would remain partially paralyzed and unable to walk. However, Shazier recovered to a point that he was able to dance at this wedding. Together, Ryan Shazier and Michelle Rodriguez are parents to a son while Shazier has another son from a previous relationship.