Vernon Shazier tells chilling story of son’s injury, and update on his well-being

It seems as if it has been a long time since anyone has received anything close to an update on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier’s status or well-being. After the organization turned all updates and information over to UPMC, where Shazier is being treated, only news of Shazier’s stabilization surgery and rehabilitation beginning has been communicated with the general public.

This is 100-percent understandable why the family, and hospital, want to keep things private for all parties involved. However, fans are concerned, and Vernon Shazier spoke with WPXI in Pittsburgh to talk about everything from what it was like when the injury occurred, to his son’s current status.

The most chilling part of Shazier’s interview, which can be viewed HERE, was when he told about getting the phone call from Ryan after the injury.

“He said, “Daddy, pray for me. I can’t feel my legs,’” Vernon Shazier said, overcome with emotion.

Anyone who is a parent can sympathize with the sickening feeling after a parent hears such words coming from their child’s mouth.

While those words show the severity of the situation, Vernon Shazier said is son is progressing every day, stating he has feeling in his legs now.

“He’s making progress daily,” Vernon Shazier said. “He’s a long ways from the night when he was laying on the field.”

When asked directly if Ryan is walking yet, Shazier’s response was to keep this type of progress private.

“We agreed to keep his progress private until he’s ready to share where he is at,” Vernon Shazier said.

Progress is progress, and although some of the big questions all those who are concerned want to know weren’t answered, it is good to know he is continuing to improve.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story, and others, as the team prepares for the Divisional Round of the AFC Playoffs.