Drafted in 1983, Rivera's career ended after a car crash in Ross. He's built a new life for himself in San Antonio.
As the sports universe observes the steady progress Ryan Shazier makes — step by inspiring step — that interest has been no more poignant than in a household in San Antonio, Texas, and another in Colorado Springs, Colo.
There, two men have a sense of déjà vu, although under quite different circumstances and, they hope, the ultimate scenario. Shazier’s injury Dec. 4 on the playing field in Cincinnati brought them back 35 years, when another spinal injury cut down another Steelers first-round draft pick just weeks into his rookie season.