Beyond Scary: Steelers' Shazier Barely Avoids Paralysis
It's called a spinal contusion.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh linebacker Ryan Shazier, the main treatment is rest. Lots of it.
Dude came thisclose to a life-altering injury in the Steelers' Monday Night Football clash with Cincinnati.
Shazier moved in to tackle Bengals receiver Josh Malone, led with his helmet, and buckled his neck.
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That's any athlete's worst nightmare.
It's clear Shazier had no movement in his legs and seemed to look almost in wonderment as he checked his hand to see that he still had control over it.
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The former Ohio State Buckeye was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for diagnosis and tests, after which the announcement was made that he suffered a contusion.
At this point, the medical staff didn't think he'd need surgery.
It seems insignificant now, but the all-Pro linebacker was well on his way to earning that honor for a second season in a row. Dude was tops on the Steelers in tackles (87), interceptions (3), forced fumbles (2) and passes deflected (11).
His highlight video from last season includes a few uncomfortable plays where he also led with his helmet :
There's a fine line between a Tommy Maddox situation in 2002 and former Detroit Lion Mike Utley's.
Incredibly, Maddox returned that season and played a key role in Pittsburgh's playoff efforts.
If Shazier recovers fully and sees fit to return, one can only hope he'll have the same sorta comeback.