Ryan Shazier Starts Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has started a foundation to help individuals with spinal cord injuries.

The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation will “provide support, resources and funding to those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers.”

.@RyanShazier has started a foundation dedicated to helping others with spinal cord injuries. 🙏

To learn more and see how you can help, visit https://t.co/YItqiu1ONj pic.twitter.com/9Mb3Fn5Nci

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020

“My team and I have been working behind the scenes to find ways to continue to push forward progress for the spinal cord community,” Shazier said on Twitter Tuesday. “One step at a time we will change how people view spinal injuries.”

I’m truly excited to announce the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation. My team and I have been working behind the scenes to find ways to continue to push forward progress for the spinal cord community. One step at a time we will change how people view spinal injuries. pic.twitter.com/kpQtkx0KjB

— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) November 23, 2020

Shazier’s promising NFL career ended prematurely three years ago when he suffered his own spinal injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. He officially announced his retirement from football earlier this year, but has made tremendous strides in his recovery.

Selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Shazier finished his career with 299 total tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles and seven interceptions. He was twice selected to the Pro Bowl.

Former Steelers coaches and teammates shared their congratulations to Shazier on the start of his non-profit Tuesday, including head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Congrats to my guy @RyanShazier on launching the @ryanshazierfund. You fought the battle and I have so much respect for you helping others doing the same. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.

— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) November 24, 2020

Congratulations @ryanshazier on the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation (https://t.co/RZfcqnnIBe)! Wishing you & your foundation all the success in the world! #Steelers pic.twitter.com/CumpCgH1PU

— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) November 24, 2020