Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier walked onto the stage at AT&T Stadium in Dallas last night to announce the Steelers' first round draft pick, safety Terrell Edmunds.
It was a significant moment considering Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery in December, after a Week 13 hit left him motionless on the field. Shazier's appearance at last night's NFL Draft, and the effort it took for him to walk across the stage, also served as a reminder of the dangers of the sport.
After being introduced by commissioner Roger Goodell, Shazier made the walk alongside his fiancee Michelle Rodriguez. According to ESPN, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert cited the linebacker's personal goals when asked about how the appearance came about.
"When he was ready to walk, he was going to make that determination," Colbert said, per ESPN. "Since he had been working with us in the draft preparation, we thought that would be a good opportunity. It was up to him. He did great. It's amazing."
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During a recent podcast with Steelers' teammate Roosevelt Nix, Shazier, 25, said that he plans to continue playing in the NFL at a high level. According to ESPN, he is under contract for $8.718 million but will not play this season.
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