Ryan Shazier
A Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker whose career was tragically cut short by a spinal injury, leading him to become a powerful symbol of determination and recovery.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American football player·Birthday: September 6·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Shazier's story is split into two profound chapters: first as a blur of destructive speed on the football field, and then as an inspirational figure off it. Drafted in the first round by the Steelers, he quickly became the defensive heartbeat, a linebacker whose explosive closing speed made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His 2017 season was shaping into his best until a routine tackle in Cincinnati resulted in a severe spinal contusion, leaving him unable to walk. What followed was a grueling, public rehabilitation that captivated the sports world. Through relentless work, he regained the ability to walk, eventually striding onto the field to announce a Steelers draft pick. While his playing days ended, his legacy transformed into one of courage, culminating in his official retirement and a continued role within the Steelers organization.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was selected to the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons in 2016 and 2017 for his defensive prowess with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Recorded a career-high 135 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles during his Pro Bowl 2016 season.
- Led the Ohio State Buckeyes in tackles during his final collegiate season before being drafted in the first round.
- Founded the 'Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation' to support others with similar injuries.
Did You Know?
He famously wore jersey number 50 in honor of his father, who wore the number in high school.
He proposed to his wife, Michelle, on the field at Ohio State's stadium after a game.
He walked again without assistance for the first time in public at the 2018 NFL Draft.
He authored a book titled 'Walking Miracle: How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back from Paralysis'.
“I'm not done writing my story. It's just the beginning.”
