Latest news with #Shazier
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 50: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 50 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 50 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 50 wearer: LB Malik Harrison Malik Harrison is the current wearer of No. 50 on the Steelers roster. Drafted by the Ravens with the 98th overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Harrison spent his first five NFL seasons in Baltimore, where he totaled 174 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks across 76 games. He signed with the Steelers on a two-year, $10 million contract this offseason, aiming to serve as Pittsburgh's dedicated run-stopping linebacker. Last five Steelers to wear No. 50: Best No. 50 in Steelers history: LB Ryan Shazier Despite only playing four seasons, Ryan Shazier is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 50. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier wasted little time emerging as one of the league's most dynamic inside linebackers. From 2014 to 2017, Shazier produced 299 combined tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, and seven interceptions — being named to two Pro Bowls for his elite play. As many Steelers fans are aware, Shazier tragically suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, but he never gave up on his long road to recovery — inspiring those facing seemingly impossible challenges in their lives. Though his time on the field was brief, what Shazier brought to the Steel City of Pittsburgh is irreplaceable — making him the best Steeler to ever wear No. 50. Honorable mention: LB David Little, who played in 179 games for the Steelers from 1981 to 1992 and earned one Pro Bowl during his consistent tenure with Pittsburgh. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Urban Meyer thinks former Ohio State player would have made Hall of Fame if not for injury
Sometimes we are robbed of the full career of an elite athlete because of injury or other unfortunate events. One such case would be former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier. He was an All-American in Columbus for his ability to run, cover in space, and get to the ball with purpose. He was one of the most athletic linebackers that were a part of a new breed that could kind of do it all. As an OSU linebacker, Shazier was recognized as a first-team All-American in 2013 before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He became a star playmaker in Pittsburgh, making the Pro-Bowl in 2016 and 2017 with a seemingly bright, long, and productive career ahead of him. However, on Dec. 4, 2017, Shazier suffered a spinal cord injury in a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He never fully recovered enough to continue his football playing career and announced his retirement on Sept. 9, 2020. Count former Ohio State football head coach Urban Meyer as a believer in the body of work Shazier would have put up had he not been injured. In an "X" (formerly Twitter) post from @RyanDayRuinedMe, Blake claimed that Shazier would have been "otw to Canton if he never went down." Meyer was quick to share the claim with two simple words: "No doubt!" And Meyer should know. He's seen his fair share of elite athletes at the highest level of big-time college football and saw Shazier and what he could do on a football field for a couple of years in Columbus. We agree. Shazier was on his way to becoming one of the most feared and athletic linebackers in the NFL and could have very well put together one whale of a career. What's interesting about Shazier landing in Columbus to play for Ohio State is that he originally committed to play at Florida under Urban Meyer, but then rescinded when Meyer retired and flipped to Jim Tressel and Ohio State. We then know that Meyer took over for Tressel eventually, where he was still able to play for the three-time national championship-winning coach. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
