Pittsburgh Steelers

Ryan Shazier to be honored during Sunday's Steelers-Rams game with award

PITTSBURGH — The George Halas Award goes to the NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. On Sunday, that award will go to Ryan Shazier.

It's been nearly two years since Shazier suffered a spinal cord injury at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

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With his amazing and inspiring comeback, he has been honored by the Pro Football Writers of America with the award.

Two days after his injury, Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery.  His progress was remarkable. Less than two months after the injury, Shazier, wearing a “Shalieve” sweatshirt, waved a Terrible Towel from a Heinz Field private box during the Steelers playoff game against Jacksonville.  In February of 2018, he led the cheers at a Penguins game.

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Shazier has never given up on his dream of playing football again, and he continues to work with the Steelers coaching staff and front office.

He’s the 51st recipient, and the third Steelers player, to win the Halas Award. Rocky Bleier won the award in 1975, and John Stallworth won 10 years later. This year’s nominees included Shazier’s teammate, running back James Connor, as well as retired Texans safety Andre Hal, retired Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman.

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