PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - After announcing his retirement from football on Wednesday, Ryan Shazier addressed the media and was surprised by Coach Mike Tomlin and teammate Vince Williams.
“More than anything I just want you to know how fun it was for me to watch that natural development, I appreciate you for allowing me to be a part of that, I got nothing but love for you man and this is just the beginning man as you transition,” said Tomlin as Shazier held back getting too emotional.
“You were always a much better person than you were a football player,” added Williams. “I’m just so excited about watching you attack everything else the way that I got the way you attacked football.”
Shazier says it was “tough” but he is now “at peace” with his decision.
While the journal has been difficult, Shazier credited his mother with the mindset to stay positive through it all.
An NFL podcast is planned for Shazier and adds he will also be doing work with his foundation and will look into other business opportunities.
Shazier also says he will never shut the door on a return to football in a coaching position in the future.
He also said he doesn’t blame football for his injury and will encourage his two boys if they want to play football.
“I fell in love with the game at 5, some people fall in love with people, you get mad at them but you always make up and that’s how I feel about football,” said Shazier.
Shazier also confirmed that while he is selling his house, he and his wife will stay in Pittsburgh.
Shazier had once final surprise from Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert who thanked him for never saying “why me?”
“and that gives us the strength and gives others the strength to know that any challenge you can’t overcome and you have overcome and that gives us great security moving forward.”
“I just want you to know that you can retire from the game of football but you’re never going to retire from being a Pittsburgh Steeler,” added Colbert.