Ryan Shazier was one of the all-time linebackers in the NFL. And so in 2017, he suffered a career-altering injury and has non played since. He has however been nether contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, simply the Steelers placed Shazier on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday. Then, will Shazier e'er play football game again?

Ryan Shazier was a stud right out of Ohio State

In higher for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ryan Shazier was one of the best linebackers in the land. Every bit a freshman in 2011, Shazier had 58 total tackles, just and then he dominated as a sophomore. In 2012, Shazier had 115 tackles and five sacks. Then equally a junior in 2013, Shazier led the unabridged Big Ten in tackles with 144 to go with seven sacks. He ultimately earned get-go-team AP All-American honors in 2013.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Shazier with the 15th overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. He then had an instant impact on Pittsburgh'due south defense. He merely played in nine games in 2014 and racked upwardly 36 tackles. Even so, in 2015 he had 87 tackles in 12 games. He so earned his starting time Pro Bowl option in 2016 with 87 tackles and iii interceptions in 13 games for the Steelers. In 2017, he earned his second Pro Bowl selection as he had 89 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games.

The awful injury that changed his career

During a Monday Dark Football game on December. four, 2017, Shazier suffered a life-changing injury. Shazier hit Cincinnati Bengals broad receiver Josh Malone in the dorsum with his helmet, according to Yahoo Sports. He so laid motionless and was taken to the hospital. Shazier suffered a spinal injury and had surgery three days subsequently to stabilize the spine.

Shazier has not played since that game. He has, nonetheless, made huge strides since that injury. He initially lost the feeling in his legs. Now, he is walking without a cane. He has also stayed around the team working as a sentinel. Shazier has also mentored teammates similar 2019 first-round option Devin Bush, according to Yahoo.

Since the injury, Shazier has seemed motivated to play again, according to the New York Post, but will he?

Steelers identify Shazier on reserve/retired list

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier looks on.
Linebacker Ryan Shazier of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the field prior to a game. | 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

At the end of 2018, Shazier's contract with the Steelers was set to expire. Withal, Pittsburgh placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform listing for 2019 and tolled his contract into 2019, according to Sports Illustrated. This allowed him to stay on NFL wellness insurance, accrue years on his pension, and make a minimum bacon in 2019.

However, on Tuesday the Steelers announced that they placed Shazier on the reserve/retired list.

"Ryan'southward placement on the Reserve/Retired List serves equally a thing of protocol to ensure his continued inclusion within our organisation moving forrad in his professional career," said Steelers Full general Manager/Vice President Kevin Colbert in a argument.

Kevin Colbert

Teams use the reserve/retired list to retain a role player's rights. The player on the list does not count against the salary cap or the player cap, though, co-ordinate to WPXI. So, essentially, this means the Steelers could potentially pay him in some other part within their organisation. He just at present volition non count against their salary cap since he is not an active player.

Right at present, Shazier is considered a retired player. That does not mean he will never play over again, though. This motility by the Steelers is pretty much just to not have his salary on their bacon cap. However, if he can return at some point, the Steelers would have the kickoff opportunity to sign him to a contract. Then, it is all the same up in the air if Shazier will ever play football again. He is considered to be retired, but he can still eventually play again if he fully recovers from his awful injury.