The Steelers have once again secured Ryan Shazier's immediate future.
The team on Monday announced it has placed the veteran linebacker on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
It's the second straight season Shazier will spend on the PUP list after he suffered a severe spinal injury in December 2017. The Steelers announced last month they would pay Shazier for the upcoming season and provide him his regular medical insurance. By being on the PUP list, he also continues to accrue service time in the league's pension program.
“We will continue to support Ryan’s efforts to return to play,” general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement at the time. “Although he won’t be able to help us on the field in 2019, his leadership, insight, and emotional support have always been very valuable to us, and we look forward to his contributions in our pursuit of a championship.”
Meantime, Shazier also was honored Monday with the Bob Prince Award, which recognizes someone who embodies his enthusiasm for Pittsburgh sports, at the annual Art Rooney Award Dinner in Pittsburgh.
“To me it’s truly an honor to have Mr. Rooney think of me for this award” Shazier said, via the team's website. "I am thankful. I have been working my tail off through the good and the bad. They have been there for me. I thank them for all of the support they have given me. I am thankful they even thought about me for this.
“I consider myself a Yinzer. It means a lot because I know the whole city has my back in every form, when it comes to sports, life, on a daily basis. I am thankful he thinks I represent the city, and the sports here.”
Despite setbacks since undergoing spinal stabilization surgery, Shazier, 26, has made significant strides in his rehabilitation. He has been seen jogging and even lifting weights in videos on social media, and maintains he will play football again one day.