Ryan Shazier is one of the Steelers’ best defensive weapons, but in recent weeks he has drawn plenty of attention for a pre-game ritual: going shirtless.
Shazier’s practice isn’t new, but perhaps everybody is noticing now because of the combination of cold weather and prime television spots during the Steelers’ playoff run.
“I normally decide what I’m going to do when I get out there on the field,” Shazier said. “I think about it, and then when I’m out there, I just decide if I’m going to do it or not.”
In the Steelers locker room Friday, the linebacker said the habit isn’t a superstition — although the Steelers are 2-0 in the playoff games in which he has “warmed up” while shirtless.