Injured Steelers Linebacker Ryan Shazier Congratulates Team On Clinching Title From His Hospital Bed

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was involved in a terrifying on-field collision during a game versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Dec. 4. The devastating hit severely injured Shazier’s spine, which required stabilization surgery two days later.

Although no one is certain whether Shazier will ever make it back on the playing field, the linebacker proved he’s in great spirits on Sunday, Dec. 10, when he filmed a Facetime video congratulating the Steelers for clinching the AFC North title.

The Steelers did so after squeaking out a last-minute victory against Baltimore. A 46-yard field goal by Chris Boswell with 42 seconds remaining brought the final score to 39-38. “We got a ‘W’ today,” Shazier said in a video taken at the hospital. “It got scary, but hey, we know how to pull it out, baby. Here we go, Steelers.”

Shazier’s injury weighed heavily on the Steelers’ hearts when they took the field against Baltimore. Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward says that Shazier will get the game ball for inspiring the team to victory. “You give that guy the game ball because we know his heart is in it,” Heyward told ESPN. “And he deserves it.”

Linebacker James Harrison paid tribute to Shazier by doing his pregame warmups without a shirt, as Shazier is known to do.

Several players wore cleats with Shazier’s face and number on them.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger carried Shazier’s jersey with him as he walked to the locker room after the victory. “We love our brother, and we wanted to get this win for him, and I’m glad we did,” Roethlisberger told ESPN after the game.