Retired: Steeler Ryan Shazier announces retirement years after horrific in-game injury

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By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Almost three years after a horrific injury, Ryan Shazier has announced he is retiring.

Shazier was injured during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 and was temporarily paralyzed, WPXI reported.

Steelers at Bengals CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) (bottom) injures his back during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4th, 2017 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After surgery and physical therapy he was able to walk again, but has not played in an NFL game since. But the Steelers kept him on the injured reserve list through the past two seasons. He’s also been helping with coaching, WPXI reported.

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Shazier made the announcement Wednesday, more than 1,000 days since his injury, via social media, telling fans, trainers, the team and his family thank you.

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Listen to his announcement here or below.