Ryan Shazier left the hospital Thursday, nearly two months after suffering a career-threatening spinal injury.
Shazier, a Steelers linebacker, was injured Dec. 5 while making a tackle against the Bengals.
“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,” Shazier wrote on Instagram. “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.”
His recovery process to this point has been both very public and extremely private at the same time.
Shazier has spent time hanging out with the Steelers at practice and attended games, and it led to some criticism over how the NFL and the Steelers have handled Shazier’s potentially life-altering injury. Details about his actual health also have been limited. His father confirmed Shazier has feeling in his legs, but whether he can walk now or will be able to in the future remains a mystery.
“Ryan Shazier was discharged from the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy today and will transition into an outpatient therapy program through the UMPC Centers for Rehab Services,” a release from the official UPMC news Twitter account said.
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He remains determined to not only lead a normal life, but return to the football field.
“I want everyone to know that all of the support and prayers are absolutely being answered,” he wrote. “I will continue to work hard and push and find a way back. #Shalieve#Steelers #prayfor50.”