ORLANDO, Fla. -- Those close to Ryan Shazier have expressed major optimism over the past few months as the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker continues recovery from a severe spinal injury. Pictures and videos circulating on social media show Shazier standing, attending various sporting events and doing pull-ups in a gym. And although Shazier uses a wheelchair, the expectation is he will eventually need it less and less.
That brings up Shazier's desire to play football again. The Steelers are supporting Shazier, who's due $8.718 million as part of his fifth-year option that's fully guaranteed for injury.