Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier may be one of the biggest “what ifs” in the National Football League.
Shazier played for the Steelers for four years after being drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He tallied 299 tackles, 24 TFLs, and seven sacks in 46 career games. The Ohio State product was a key contributor to a Steelers defense that ranked among the league’s best.
However, Shazier suffered a severe spinal cord contusion during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down. It ended his NFL career.
Over time, Shazier rejoined the Steelers, began to walk again, and credited Mike Tomlin for the role he played in his recovery.
Ryan Shazier Calls Mike Tomlin ‘Family’ in Emotional Message
GettyMike Tomlin hired Ryan Shazier as an offensive assistant coach in 2024. Shazier helped with running backs, offensive schemes, and special teams.
Following Mike Tomlin stepping down from his role as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Shazier penned a social media post to his former head coach. Throughout the post, Shazier called Tomlin “family” and said Tomlin “changed my life in ways that go beyond football.”
Shazier’s full message: “Two decades of leading this organization with an unshakable belief and a standard that never wavered. Coach Tomlin, you changed my life in ways that go beyond football.
From the moment you drafted me, you saw something in me and pushed me to be great. Those late-night film sessions, just you and me, grinding through defensive schemes when everyone else went home.
That meant everything.
What you did in that hospital room, holding linebacker meetings from my bedside, never letting me feel alone for a single second, that’s when I realized you weren’t just my coach. You were family.
You kept me on the roster for three years while I fought to walk again. Never once made me feel like I was anything less than a Steeler. And then this year, when I didn’t know what was next, you brought me back home to your coaching staff. You believed in me again.
You gave Pittsburgh 19 years of unwavering leadership and never compromised on what this organization stands for.
Thank you for seeing me when I was 21.
Thank you for holding me up when I was 25 and couldn’t move my legs.
Thank you for giving me purpose again at 32.
You made me believe. #Shalieve forever, Coach.”
Shazier highlighted the fact that Tomlin kept him on the roster for three years during his recovery and “never once made me feel like I was anything less than a Steeler.”
Shazier Joined Tomlin’s Coaching Staff in 2024
After recovering from his injury, Shazier joined Tomlin’s coaching staff as an offensive assistant coach in 2024. He helped with running backs, offensive schemes, and special teams. He was often seen at practice working alongside running backs coach Eddie Faulkner and special teams coordinator Danny Smith.
It’s unclear whether Shazier will continue to coach with the Steelers, following Tomlin’s departure, but he has surely accomplished plenty. He credits Tomlin for a lot of what he’s been able to do.
Ryan Shazier Pens Message to Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin