Ryan Shazier served as an honorary captain at Ohio State’s spring game on Saturday and received a rousing ovation when he stood and waved to the Buckeye fans in attendance.
Threats of storms moved the Ohio State spring game up a couple of hours on Saturday so they could get the game in without delay. It’s a good thing too because fans in attendance got to see one of their own return to the Shoe, but this was no ordinary homecoming for Ryan Shazier.
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker made a few public appearances since he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury last season. His NFL future is in jeopardy and is already ruled out for the upcoming season. However, Saturday was a day of celebration as Shazier stood up and received the loudest ovation from the crowd on the day.
This is the type of stuff that gives you goosebumps and why sports are so great. Shazier was able to stand in the stadium he once called home and serve as an honorary captain. In turn, Shazier had fans standing up and showing their love and admiration for Shazier.
You can watch the video, courtesy of the Ohio State website Eleven Warriors below.
Ryan Shazier raising the roof as one of two honorary captains, along with Malcolm Jenkins, at Ohio State's spring game. pic.twitter.com/RNtHWCOCoF
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 14, 2018
Shazier drove to midfield in a golf cart before exiting and standing on his own. This is really powerful stuff. Shazier said he’s doing a lot better now than he was. And while his recovery will be a long and arduous one, it’s days and moments like the one he had at Ohio State that goes a long way in boosting his spirits and giving him the encouragement necessary to keep working so hard in his rehab.
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/985202607647088640
I hope we’ll get to see Shazier walk out to midfield and wave to the crowd during a regular season game later this year. I feel it’s going to happen and I know Shazier believes it’s going to happen.
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Say what you will about the validity and significance of spring games, but this was a monumental moment that should be celebrated across the sports landscape.