About the Fund

Before his spinal cord injury, Ryan Shazier was one of the NFL's brightest young stars. A first-round draft pick, Pro Bowl linebacker, and captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was on a trajectory to become one of the franchise's all-time greats. Everything changed on December 4, 2017, when Ryan suffered a devastating spinal cord injury during a Monday Night Football game. Despite being told he had only a 20% chance of walking again, Ryan refused to give up. Through more than 130 spinal rehabilitation sessions and relentless determination, he defied the odds and regained the ability to walk.

Ryan's recovery inspired a new purpose: ensuring others facing spinal cord injuries have access to the rehabilitation, resources, and hope that transformed his own life. Through the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation, Ryan is dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and build lives filled with independence, possibility, and hope.