Nearly four years after an errant tackle left him paralyzed below the
waist, the inspiring comeback story of how former Pittsburgh Steeler
Ryan Shazier recovered to walk again.
As an All-American at Ohio State and All-Pro linebacker for the
Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier was living his best life while
excelling at the game he loves, a game that has given him so much. But
then Ryan was forced to redefine success. Suddenly, it was no longer
measured by tackles or sacks, but by purpose and faith.
WALKING MIRACLE is the story of this new definition of success,
following the arc from December 4, 2017, when Shazier was injured
playing the Cincinnati Bengals, to his retirement. For three years,
Shazier doggedly pursued a return to professional football. He took
small wins as "first downs" on the drive to return to the field: moving
his toes, walking, dancing at his wedding, and ultimately running and
returning to the team. What Shazier didn't realize is that along the
way, he was preparing himself for another purpose--that of father and
husband, philanthropist, and football analyst. The journey was preparing
him not for a renewed life as a middle linebacker, but a renewed life
after the game.
Here we see Shazier overcome childhood alopecia, which caused a great
deal of emotional pain, and scoliosis, which nearly robbed him of his
dreams of playing college and professional football. We gain insights
into legendary coaches Urban Meyer and Mike Tomlin. And we see him star
on the field. Shazier was one of the best defensive players in Steeler
history--a history full of great defensive stars.
WALKING MIRACLE--the message on a bracelet given to him by his
godmother--is the story of Ryan's comeback, but it's also a book of
life's lessons, challenges, and a love letter to the power of positive
thinking.
