Steelers LB Ryan Shazier Says He’s Planning to Play Again and is “Still Reaching for That Hall of Fame”

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier isn’t afraid to reach for the stars in regards to his recovery from a serious spinal injury that had people wondering if he was ever going to walk again.

Now, a few months after the injury, the linebacker is saying that his mind is focused on making it back to the playing field, and that he’s planning on playing again.

Shazier was a guest on Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix’s podcast, and was quoted on the Steelers official website as stating that he has to ‘get back’ and play again with his black and gold teammates.

Here’s some of what Shazier had to say:

“I’ve gotta get back,” said Shazier. “Right now I’m reading a book and it’s basically saying trust the process. I’m really trusting the process and I know the end goal. I’m taking it every step of the way but I’m giving my football effort, 1,000, everything I’ve got.

“The therapists, they’ll be like ‘Man, this is crazy. I’m happy to be working with an athlete because I’ve never seen somebody work this hard.’ They almost see progression every day. They say some progression they see week to week, they see from me day to day. I’ve got to get it. I’m really trying to come back and still be a Pro Bowler, still be an All-Pro.

“I’m still reaching for that Hall of Famer. I really feel like I’m the best linebacker ever. I’ve just got to be back out there so everybody can see it. Since I have been in college I have wanted to go to the Hall of Fame. I still want to go to the Hall of Fame. All of my goals are made for me to go to the Hall of Fame.”

There’s no question that miracles have already happened when it comes to Shazier, and really at this point would be surprise anyone if one day he’s back on the playing field?