Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has had quite the road to recovery, and those close to the third year star out of Ohio State have expressed "major optimism" per Steelers ESPN staff writer, Jeremy Fowler.
Shazier has recently been spotted on social media at Pittsburgh Penguins games, in the gym showcasing his upper body strength, and various other events imposing that the need for his wheelchair is beginning to become less of a factor.
Due $8.718 million as part of his fifth-year option that's fully guaranteed for injury, Shazier expects to make a full recovery and has expressed his desire to continue to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Although his future is still uncertain, he will remain with the team this upcoming season in an "advisory" role. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert stressed he'll "never place a cap on what Shazier can handle."
“There is no ceiling in Ryan's recovery. He aggressively approaches it every day. We support him in every way possible in that endeavor. Where that leads, only he will know and he will determine further down the road. His approach, his mental approach. I can't tell you how impressive an inspiration he is to us." - Kevin Colbert
The Steelers won't speculate on what Shazier and 2019 have to offer, but Colbert confirmed the team has the flexibility to extend Shazier's contract if they feel necessary.
