The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a bit of a rollercoaster 2024 season, aren’t they? They had their fair share of ups and downs, and we all agree on it. But you can tell they’ve got something good brewing. While all the attention is on the players and new moves, there’s one thing that has people talking and it’s fire. No, it’s not about a new player. It’s actually about someone coming back in a totally new role. And trust me, it’s a big deal.

Enter Ryan Shazier, the man, the myth, the legend! If you were a veteran Blitzburgh fan, you might exactly have an idea of who he is. If not, read along and learn about the legend. His speed and energy on the field were insane. But fate had different plans, and what came was a devastating spinal injury in 2017 that cut his career short. You’d think that was the end, but nope, just like a phoenix which burns before getting a new life. He came back as a coach to the Steelers!! Yes, Ryan’s story was just getting started. But, before that, let’s take a look at what the legend did after his injury so that you can have something to say to your older pals without losing your ground.

After hanging up his helmet, Ryan could’ve just laid low, but instead, he jumped into something way bigger, helping others with spinal injuries. He said, “It was hard to accept that I wasn’t going to be able to play anymore. But I never stopped believing I could still contribute in some way“. Then, he created the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation, to support the people who were going through what he went through. This guy is all about giving it back, and his foundation has made a huge impact. While there isn’t a confirmed number, it’s a big number.

On top of that, Ryan’s been busy raising awareness for spinal injury treatments and mentoring young athletes. He worked with doctors and researchers to make sure people got the help they needed. His journey has inspired a lot of people to keep going, no matter how tough things get.

So, now with Ryan stepping into a coaching role. Here’s the big question: can he be the game-changer the Steelers need? If anyone’s gonna bring the energy and leadership, it’s him. Before getting any news on ‘coach’ Ryan, let’s see his history as well.

From star linebacker to inspirational coach

Before his career ended because of injury, Ryan Shazier was making waves (literal waves). Drafted by the Steelers in 2014, Ryan quickly became the linebacker everyone talked about as I mentioned before, his speed was insane, and just like present players, he had this special ability to make game-changing plays. In just a few years, he racked up 399 tackles, 7 sacks, and 3 interceptions, even earning Pro Bowl honors. This guy was a beast. Respect!

Then came that rough Monday night game against the Bengals in 2017, the one no Steelers fan or anyone could foresee. Ryan took a hit that changed everything, it left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors straight-up said he had just only a 20% chance of walking again. But Ryan? Nah, he was going to see it through to the end. After grinding through 130 rehab sessions, not only did he walk again, but he danced at his wedding two years later. Like, seriously, if that’s not next-level resilience, I don’t know what is. Mad respect!

Now, Ryan’s making a comeback as a coach for the Steelers. And let’s be real. This guy is bringing some serious football smarts and leadership vibes to the table. His journey from a life-changing injury to stepping into this new role is nothing short of inspiring. With Ryan on the sidelines, the Steelers’ defense is about to hit a whole new gear. Buckle up, folks, it’s gonna be wild!