Walking Miracle

Nearly four years after a tackle left him paralyzed from the waist down, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier regained the ability to walk. Before that, he had been an All-American at Ohio State and an All-Pro linebacker for the Steelers, thriving in a sport that had given him a great deal. The injury forced him to measure his life by something other than tackles and sacks, and this memoir follows him toward a new standard built on purpose and faith.

The story runs from the December 4, 2017, game against the Cincinnati Bengals, when Shazier was hurt, through to his retirement. Over three years he worked relentlessly to return to professional football, celebrating each gain along the way: moving his toes, taking his first steps, dancing at his wedding, and eventually running and rejoining his team. Throughout that road, he was also getting ready for roles beyond the field as a father, husband, philanthropist, and football analyst.

The book looks back at earlier hardships, including alopecia in childhood, which caused considerable emotional pain, and scoliosis, which at one point threatened his hopes of playing college and professional football. Readers also get a view of head coaches Urban Meyer and Mike Tomlin, along with Shazier's own career, in which he ranks among the best defensive players in Steelers history, a franchise with many great defenders.

The title comes from a message on a bracelet his godmother gave him. Part comeback account and part reflection on life's lessons and challenges, the book also explores the power of positive thinking.