Reimer: Ryan Shazier's surprise NFL Draft appearance was both inspiring and dark

The NFL Draft is a primetime TV event that glamorizes professional football without acknowledging its risk. First-round picks strutted to the stage at Jerry Jones' $1.2 billion football palace, posing for pictures with customized jerseys alongside a commissioner who will probably never have their best interests in mind. But that didn't mater Thursday night. There was no concussion research to obfuscate or draconian discipline to hand out. The night was about celebrating the Shield, and all of its magical possibilities.

Well, it was like that for 31 of the 32 first-round selections. The Steelers' pick, safety Terrell Edmunds out of Virginia Tech, may have had a different experience. Ryan Shazier announced Edmunds' name from the podium. It was the first time Shazier has been seen walking since his devastating spinal injury nearly five months ago. 

Edmunds will be counted on to help fill Shazier's role on defense. Before Edmunds' NFL career even begins, he received a first-person reminder of football's unforgiving brutality. 

Ryan Shazier walks onstage with his fiance to announce the Steelers pick pic.twitter.com/UQwOPd3kLh

The word "inspirational" has been thrown around to describe Shazier's surprise appearance. But that sugarcoats his story. Shazier almost lost his mobility at 25 years old on a routine football tackle that Edmunds and every other defensive player will attempt thousands of times in their careers. That is more scary than anything else. 

The Steelers-Bengals Monday night grudge match on Dec. 4 was barbarous. There were several helmet-to-helmet hits and Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict was carted off the field as well. Even some of the NFL's biggest cheerleaders, such as Fox analyst Troy Aikman, called the game "terrible" for the league. 

Ironically, Shazier's career-threatening injury happened on an unremarkable play. Shazier went to bring down a Bengals wide receiver who caught the ball in the middle of the field, diving at his waist. But suddenly, Shazier stopped short, and could not complete the motion. He lied on the ground, only managing to briefly flex his right hand before being placed onto a stretcher and into an ambulance. 

Since then, Shazier has made numerous appearances at Steelers games and other Pittsburgh sporting events. Most notably, he was on hand at Pittsburgh's Divisional Round game against the Jaguars, whipping the crowd at Heinz Field into a frenzy.

#SHALIEVE pic.twitter.com/Q48FqcCfwh

Shazier's resilience is inspiring. His apparent positivity is infectious. The physical and mental anguish he's endured is unfathomable, and yet, he's flashing wide grins in every photograph. 

I've had a lot of 1st downs at UPMC, but you know being the defensive guy I am, my mind is on 3 and out. With that being said, I want everyone to know that I'm moving on to the next step of the process. Today's a big day for me as I'm officially being released from the hospital. I want to take a moment to thank the people who have helped me the past two months. First and foremost, I want to thank God because at the end of the day I don't think I'd be making progress without His vision and hands protecting me and my family. I will continue to trust in Him and thank Him, because it all starts with Him. To my family: you've been my rock. Words can't express how thankful I am for you Michelle, RJ, Mom, Dad, and VJ for always being there for me. You're my everything. To Jerome: my trainer and best friend. Thank you for being there from day 1 and every day after continuing to push me to be better every day. I'd like to thank Dr. Okonkwo, Dr. Harrington, Dr. Maroon, and Dr. Schroeder for their amazing work on my procedure and continuous care. I can't appropriately express how grateful I am for how quickly you've helped me bounce back. I want to thank the medical staff at UPMC for their amazing care, support and therapy they have given me- especially Joe, Nikki, Karolina and Dani. I know the staff will continue to help me find a way to keep on pushing as we continue therapy. The support from my teammates has been truly amazing. From former players to current players and their families- they have helped me and my family day to day with visits and gifts. We can't thank you enough. I want to thank Mr. Rooney, Coach T, Mr. Colbert, and the entire Steelers organization for the unwavering support they've given me. I knew they were an amazing organization, but more than ever they're family to me. Lastly, I want to thank Jimmy, Candice, and the CAA Sports staff for being here when I need them most. I don't know if I'd be where I'm at or making the progress I'm making without you guys. I want everyone to know that all of the support and prayers are absolutely being answered. I will continue to work hard and push and find a way back. #Shalieve #Steelers #prayfor50

A post shared by Ryan Shazier (@shazier) on Feb 1, 2018 at 10:57am PST

But Shazier's presence, no matter how uplifting it might be, also symbolizes the dark side of the NFL. The Shield can provide players a forum to pursue incredible fame and wealth. It opens doors to opportunities.

But it can also send you out motionless on a stretcher, faced with the prospect of becoming immobilized in your mid-20s.