Former NFL Pro Bowler & Host, Don't Call It A Comeback Podcast
Ryan Shazier: Biography at a Glance
- Ryan Shazier is a former NFL linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a two-time Pro Bowl Selection.
- Shazier was partially paralyzed when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury while making a tackle during a game in 2017.
- Ryan's first book, Walking Miracle, dives into how Ryan’s faith, positive thinking, and passion for football brought him back from paralysis and helped him find his purpose.
- He hosts Don’t Call It A Comeback an Amazon Podcast with a rotating group of guests to spotlight the week’s biggest sports comeback stories.
- He also hosts “50 Phenoms”, an episodic series highlighting the comeback stories of UPMC patients who defied the odds.
- Ryan has worked with the National Alopecia Foundation in efforts to help support kids suffering from the autoimmune disease he also suffers from.
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Biography
Ryan Shazier's story is one of inspiration, strength, and courage.
The two-time Pro Bowl NFL Linebacker was selected 15th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2014 draft. After suffering a spinal injury during a game in 2017, Ryan has become known for his positivity and toughness on and off the field. Ryan’s resilience is inspiring as he continues to make progress. After announcing his retirement in 2020, Shazier has continued to pursue his passion for football by calling college football games for ESPN.
His first book, Walking Miracle is an autobiography that dives into how Ryan’s faith, positive thinking, and passion for football brought him back from paralysis and helped him find his purpose. Speaking from personal experience, Ryan hosts Don’t Call It A Comeback an Amazon Podcast, and is entering his 3rd season hosting “50 Phenoms”, an episodic series highlighting the comeback stories of UPMC patients who defied the odds.
Committed to giving back to others, Ryan founded the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation dedicated to giving those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers the support, resources, and funding they need to live independent and meaningful lives.
In addition to his many titles, Ryan added author, Regional Emmy Award Winning Host, and business owner to his resume after retiring from the NFL. In September 2021, Ryan founded his own company alongside his father, Vernon Shazier. Shazier Logistics is a Pittsburgh-based general freight brokerage firm offering services across the contiguous United States. He is also an owner of Shazier Agency Life Insurance.
Family is everything to Ryan and his wife, Michelle. Ryan is a proud father of two boys: Ryan “RJ” and Lyon.
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Don’t Call It A Comeback: Ryan Shazier’s Story
Everyone loves a comeback story. Ryan Shazier’s story is more than a comeback - it is one of the most thrilling and inspiring resurgences of any athlete.
The former NFL star linebacker suffered a devastating on-field hit that left him paralyzed, then scratched and clawed his way back until he could walk onto a football field on his own just a few years later. Facing a setback that would have completely derailed most, Ryan was driven by his unwavering faith and the power of positivity to push through. It’s the stuff movies are made of… and now Ryan is bringing his story to your audience. In discussing his personal hurdles and triumphs, he inspires audiences to face their obstacles head-on with the same positive mindset and tenacity that has helped him throughout his journey.
