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Walking Miracle: How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back from Paralysis...and Helped Me Find Purpose
Nearly four years after an errant tackle left him paralyzed below the waist, the inspiring comeback story of how former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier recovered to walk again.
As an All-American at Ohio State and All-Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier was living his best life while excelling at the game he loves, a game that has given him so much. But then Ryan was forced to redefine success. Suddenly, it was no longer measured by tackles or sacks, but by purpose and faith.
WALKING MIRACLE is the story of this new definition of success, following the arc from December 4, 2017, when Shazier was injured playing the Cincinnati Bengals, to his retirement. For three years, Shazier doggedly pursued a return to professional football. He took small wins as “first downs” on the drive to return to the field: moving his toes, walking, dancing at his wedding, and ultimately running and returning to the team. What Shazier didn’t realize is that along the way, he was preparing himself for another purpose—that of father and husband, philanthropist, and football analyst. The journey was preparing him not for a renewed life as a middle linebacker, but a renewed life after the game.
Here we see Shazier overcome childhood alopecia, which caused a great deal of emotional pain, and scoliosis, which nearly robbed him of his dreams of playing college and professional football. We gain insights into legendary coaches Urban Meyer and Mike Tomlin. And we see him star on the field. Shazier was one of the best defensive players in Steeler history—a history full of great defensive stars.
WALKING MIRACLE—the message on a bracelet given to him by his godmother—is the story of Ryan’s comeback, but it’s also a book of life’s lessons, challenges, and a love letter to the power of positive thinking.
As an All-American at Ohio State and All-Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier was living his best life while excelling at the game he loves, a game that has given him so much. But then Ryan was forced to redefine success. Suddenly, it was no longer measured by tackles or sacks, but by purpose and faith.
WALKING MIRACLE is the story of this new definition of success, following the arc from December 4, 2017, when Shazier was injured playing the Cincinnati Bengals, to his retirement. For three years, Shazier doggedly pursued a return to professional football. He took small wins as “first downs” on the drive to return to the field: moving his toes, walking, dancing at his wedding, and ultimately running and returning to the team. What Shazier didn’t realize is that along the way, he was preparing himself for another purpose—that of father and husband, philanthropist, and football analyst. The journey was preparing him not for a renewed life as a middle linebacker, but a renewed life after the game.
Here we see Shazier overcome childhood alopecia, which caused a great deal of emotional pain, and scoliosis, which nearly robbed him of his dreams of playing college and professional football. We gain insights into legendary coaches Urban Meyer and Mike Tomlin. And we see him star on the field. Shazier was one of the best defensive players in Steeler history—a history full of great defensive stars.
WALKING MIRACLE—the message on a bracelet given to him by his godmother—is the story of Ryan’s comeback, but it’s also a book of life’s lessons, challenges, and a love letter to the power of positive thinking.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 30, 2021
31 people are currently reading
2370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 20, 2021
I’m not sure how someone can read this book and not be inspired to give it his or her all in any aspect of life. Shazier truly defies the odds after his gruesome football injury four years ago.
As a former athlete myself, I really understood how he tackled different obstacles in life that weren’t even sports related. No matter the sport, mental toughness is a must and boy he is tough. Not only that, I really enjoyed how much he weaved his family and other aspects of his life into the story especially since I know him as Ryan Shazier the athlete.
If you are a fan of the game and follow buzz around the NFL, you might feel a tad odd listening to portions about Urban Meyer.
Big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
As a former athlete myself, I really understood how he tackled different obstacles in life that weren’t even sports related. No matter the sport, mental toughness is a must and boy he is tough. Not only that, I really enjoyed how much he weaved his family and other aspects of his life into the story especially since I know him as Ryan Shazier the athlete.
If you are a fan of the game and follow buzz around the NFL, you might feel a tad odd listening to portions about Urban Meyer.
Big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
March 25, 2022
All American at Ohio State and All-Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That may tell readers about his career playing football, but there is much more to this story. A tackle. A sack. Any football player knows that any hit could take them down for good, either crippling them or even causing severe brain degeneration. For Ryan Shazier his injuries were of a physical nature and were devastating. In fact, Ryan was thought to never walk again.
Not only did Ryan defy the odds but doing just that - walking - he wanted to do much more. Ryan wanted to play professional football again. He took as many firsts as possible to try to achieve his dream. Ryan made such progress that he actually remained on the roster for more than one team. However, he never did achieve that particular dream, although he did reach other very high hopes along the way.
The reason it was thought that Ryan would never walk again was because he sustained a critical spinal injury after a head-on tackle. Surgery proved successful in his journey to walk again, but it might not have been enough to achieve his ultimate dream to play professional football once again.
Despite the result of such loss that Ryan had to deal with, this book proved to be a book of hope. Ryan's hope was strongly connected to his faith. In fact, it was is faith that kept Ryan putting one foot in front of another - literally. More than that, this inspiring story relays Ryan's life even before he played the game of football. This was such an incredible story that this book will defnitely get a re-read by me. Faith, hope and courage just might be Ryan Shazier's hallmarks and makes this man a true hero to me.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Not only did Ryan defy the odds but doing just that - walking - he wanted to do much more. Ryan wanted to play professional football again. He took as many firsts as possible to try to achieve his dream. Ryan made such progress that he actually remained on the roster for more than one team. However, he never did achieve that particular dream, although he did reach other very high hopes along the way.
The reason it was thought that Ryan would never walk again was because he sustained a critical spinal injury after a head-on tackle. Surgery proved successful in his journey to walk again, but it might not have been enough to achieve his ultimate dream to play professional football once again.
Despite the result of such loss that Ryan had to deal with, this book proved to be a book of hope. Ryan's hope was strongly connected to his faith. In fact, it was is faith that kept Ryan putting one foot in front of another - literally. More than that, this inspiring story relays Ryan's life even before he played the game of football. This was such an incredible story that this book will defnitely get a re-read by me. Faith, hope and courage just might be Ryan Shazier's hallmarks and makes this man a true hero to me.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 16, 2021
All the Feels!
I’m a huge Ryan Shazier fan. Three years ago, I happily stood in line on a frigid day in Pittsburgh just to get his autograph on my custom #Shalieve jersey. So I knew I’d love this book. I devoured it in one day; frequently wiping my tears away. This was such an emotional read for me. He spoke so lovingly about his mom and his wife. What got me is the reverence and admiration he displayed for his father. It was so touching. This whole book read like a beautiful love song dedicated to my hometown of Pittsburgh and our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. This book was absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary testimony with us, Ryan. #HereWeGo
I’m a huge Ryan Shazier fan. Three years ago, I happily stood in line on a frigid day in Pittsburgh just to get his autograph on my custom #Shalieve jersey. So I knew I’d love this book. I devoured it in one day; frequently wiping my tears away. This was such an emotional read for me. He spoke so lovingly about his mom and his wife. What got me is the reverence and admiration he displayed for his father. It was so touching. This whole book read like a beautiful love song dedicated to my hometown of Pittsburgh and our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. This book was absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary testimony with us, Ryan. #HereWeGo
January 12, 2023
Always on your team Ryan 🫶🏼
— I remember watching his journey unfold and how strong he was and me crying as he walked across that stage back in 2018. Beautiful to read from his perspective of it all. #Shalieve
— I remember watching his journey unfold and how strong he was and me crying as he walked across that stage back in 2018. Beautiful to read from his perspective of it all. #Shalieve
December 28, 2021
Such an inspirational story. I feel like I was sitting across from Ryan, and he was just talking to me, rather than me reading his book. As he states, you don't see all the work that athletes put in to perform on gameday, just as you don't see all the work a patient does to regain even partial mobility after an injury. The amount of work he put into his recovery was incredible. I don't think I would be able to do even 10% of what he did. As an Ohioan, the Steelers are not exactly my favorite team - haha! - but much respect to them in how they supported Ryan after his injury and continue to do so, and I enjoyed hearing how Ryan has become so involved in his adopted hometown. I was also impressed with the foundation that Ryan has set up to support spinal cord injury patients and their caregivers. I hope that really takes off in the coming years.
June 2, 2022
Ever since Ryan came to Pittsburgh, my husband and I were huge fans (still are). The game where he got injured, I bawled! I am a bit of an empath, and my heart just broke for him and his family, and then he gave us all hope that we did not need to feel sorry for him because he was a man of faith that would grow in ways many of us couldn't conceive, he turned his tragedy into triumph.
In September 2021, my husband and I went to the Steelers VS Broncos game and as we were walking to get concessions before the game (me in my Shalieve shirt) I heard Shazier on the field. I turned to my husband and said "oh man, we're missing Ryan cause we aren't in our seats." I was bummed. 10 minutes later, as we are standing in the food line, this guy says "excuse me, we need to get through." My husband and I take a step back from the people in front of us and who WALKS directly in front of me? You guessed it, Ryan Shazier. My husband and I look at each other and say at the same time, "that's Ryan Shazier"...and since he was directly in front of us, we basically said it in his ear...he kept walking but Michelle, his wife, acknowledged us, nodded and looked genuinely happy to see how excited we were and to see me in my Shalieve shirt. The Uber fan in me wanted to go get a pic, but I didn't want to bother him. Still made my day (didn't hurt that we got a W too)!
In September 2021, my husband and I went to the Steelers VS Broncos game and as we were walking to get concessions before the game (me in my Shalieve shirt) I heard Shazier on the field. I turned to my husband and said "oh man, we're missing Ryan cause we aren't in our seats." I was bummed. 10 minutes later, as we are standing in the food line, this guy says "excuse me, we need to get through." My husband and I take a step back from the people in front of us and who WALKS directly in front of me? You guessed it, Ryan Shazier. My husband and I look at each other and say at the same time, "that's Ryan Shazier"...and since he was directly in front of us, we basically said it in his ear...he kept walking but Michelle, his wife, acknowledged us, nodded and looked genuinely happy to see how excited we were and to see me in my Shalieve shirt. The Uber fan in me wanted to go get a pic, but I didn't want to bother him. Still made my day (didn't hurt that we got a W too)!
December 2, 2021
A true inspiration as NFL star Ryan Shazier describes his thoughts, feelings, challenges, and accomplishments following the spinal cord injury that would change his life. Shazier's mindset and drive are truly remarkable. I'm thankful of him for sharing his story.
January 27, 2022
Click here to hear my book review of Ryan Shazier's memoir, Walking Miracle on my Booktube channel.
November 30, 2021
First, I want to thank Ryan Shazier, Larry Platt, Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Books and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Ryan Shazier is incredibly brave to open up and share his truly inspirational story in Walking Miracle. Ryan was an outstanding pro bowl football player until a routine tackle rendered him a paraplegic. In a split second his career was over. What was he going to do, give up and resign himself to living the rest of his life in a wheelchair? No. He was going to confront his devastating handicap and overcome it.
Ryan dedicates this book to his love Michelle; his motivation R.J and Lyon; and his parents for showing him the way. He is so grateful for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his teammates throughout the years.
Henry Sene Yee did a great job with designing the cover.
I was very interested in reading this book as my Brother-In-Law Andy suffered a spinal cord Injury that left him a quadriplegic.
There was a quote in the book that made me tear up as it made me think of my Brother-in-Law. “Keep the faith. And work hard. Every spinal cord injury is different. None are alike. You can’t listen to doctors who say you’ll never walk again. They don’t know.
Being from Buffalo, NY I recalled all too well Buffalo Bills’ Kevin Everett and how he suffered a fracture and dislocated his cervical spine. With months of intense therapy he too was able to walk again.
Ryan and I share something in common as we both were diagnosed with Scoliosis. I loved how he wouldn’t give up even though doctor’s said this diagnosis would ruin his career. I commend him for using the body sculpting contraption as it sounds uncomfortable.
My heart was happy reading Ryan and Michelle’s beautiful love story! Ryan shares many pictures in this book, including a beautiful picture of his wedding day. Michelle looked absolutely stunning and I loved the pink tuxedos on Ryan, R.J and Lyon.
Ryan shares many of his football experiences in Walking Miracle.
Ryan Shazier is incredibly brave to open up and share his truly inspirational story in Walking Miracle. Ryan was an outstanding pro bowl football player until a routine tackle rendered him a paraplegic. In a split second his career was over. What was he going to do, give up and resign himself to living the rest of his life in a wheelchair? No. He was going to confront his devastating handicap and overcome it.
Ryan dedicates this book to his love Michelle; his motivation R.J and Lyon; and his parents for showing him the way. He is so grateful for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his teammates throughout the years.
Henry Sene Yee did a great job with designing the cover.
I was very interested in reading this book as my Brother-In-Law Andy suffered a spinal cord Injury that left him a quadriplegic.
There was a quote in the book that made me tear up as it made me think of my Brother-in-Law. “Keep the faith. And work hard. Every spinal cord injury is different. None are alike. You can’t listen to doctors who say you’ll never walk again. They don’t know.
Being from Buffalo, NY I recalled all too well Buffalo Bills’ Kevin Everett and how he suffered a fracture and dislocated his cervical spine. With months of intense therapy he too was able to walk again.
Ryan and I share something in common as we both were diagnosed with Scoliosis. I loved how he wouldn’t give up even though doctor’s said this diagnosis would ruin his career. I commend him for using the body sculpting contraption as it sounds uncomfortable.
My heart was happy reading Ryan and Michelle’s beautiful love story! Ryan shares many pictures in this book, including a beautiful picture of his wedding day. Michelle looked absolutely stunning and I loved the pink tuxedos on Ryan, R.J and Lyon.
Ryan shares many of his football experiences in Walking Miracle.
June 20, 2023
Walking Miracle is the autobiography of former Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier. But this book isn't really about Shazier's football career from the Pop Warner level to the NFL. No, the book is mostly about how he came to terms with having his football career snatched away from him due to a routine tackle he made during a Week 13 game against the Cincinnati Bengals back on December 4, 2017.
Under all those football pads and behind that supreme football talent and athleticism, was a very intelligent guy who developed a deep understanding in his post football career that there is more to life than being a football player. For much of this book he discussed how he seemed to have a one-track mind when it came to his dreams and goals in life, which was to be a great football player on every level that he played on starting at Plantation High School in Florida.
If you thought this book was going to go deep into Shazier's football career from high school to the NFL, you would be mistaken. Most of this book was about Shazier discussing how he was able to cope with life after football, the journey he took to be able to walk again, his home life with his wife and two kids, and of course his workouts with himself and his friend Jerome.
Probably the saddest part of this book for me took place on page 151. On that page he reminisces about the time where he discussed his goals (making the Pro Bowl and going to the Super Bowl) in the offseason before the 2017 season on his dad's front porch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If that part doesn't jolt you, then you may have no soul.
In conclusion, Walking Miracle was a therapeutic writing exercise for Shazier. This book was about his career-ending injury as well as his interests outside of football. You would get more analysis on his football career on YouTube or his Wikipedia page than you would in this book. But at the end of the day and as Shazier explained for a decent portion of this book, he is more than a football player, he is a deep thinker who has a lot to offer this world than just being a very good inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Under all those football pads and behind that supreme football talent and athleticism, was a very intelligent guy who developed a deep understanding in his post football career that there is more to life than being a football player. For much of this book he discussed how he seemed to have a one-track mind when it came to his dreams and goals in life, which was to be a great football player on every level that he played on starting at Plantation High School in Florida.
If you thought this book was going to go deep into Shazier's football career from high school to the NFL, you would be mistaken. Most of this book was about Shazier discussing how he was able to cope with life after football, the journey he took to be able to walk again, his home life with his wife and two kids, and of course his workouts with himself and his friend Jerome.
Probably the saddest part of this book for me took place on page 151. On that page he reminisces about the time where he discussed his goals (making the Pro Bowl and going to the Super Bowl) in the offseason before the 2017 season on his dad's front porch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If that part doesn't jolt you, then you may have no soul.
In conclusion, Walking Miracle was a therapeutic writing exercise for Shazier. This book was about his career-ending injury as well as his interests outside of football. You would get more analysis on his football career on YouTube or his Wikipedia page than you would in this book. But at the end of the day and as Shazier explained for a decent portion of this book, he is more than a football player, he is a deep thinker who has a lot to offer this world than just being a very good inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
October 25, 2021
🏈 Walking Miracle • @shazier • Larry Platt
🏈 Pub Date • 11/30/21 @grandcentralpub
🏈 Nearly four years after an errant tackle left him paralyzed below the waist, the inspiring comeback story of how former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier recovered to walk again.
This is more than just a book about football. It’s a story of family, faith, and overcoming challenges on and off the field. Ryan details how he dealt with the hurdles of growing up with alopecia and scoliosis and the bullying he suffered as a result of those conditions. The insight on amazing sports figures in top caliber programs such as Ohio State and the Steelers was awesome for me as a fan. The love he has for his adopted city of Pittsburgh and the fans really resonated with me, being a Yinzer myself. His faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds will have you rooting for him as a man, father, husband, and player. From being given a 20% chance to ever walk again, to just 17 months later being able to dance at his own wedding…awe inspiring. As you can tell I am a big fan, of Ryan, and of his book. Thank you to @grandcentralpub for an ARC of this book.
🏈 Pub Date • 11/30/21 @grandcentralpub
🏈 Nearly four years after an errant tackle left him paralyzed below the waist, the inspiring comeback story of how former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier recovered to walk again.
This is more than just a book about football. It’s a story of family, faith, and overcoming challenges on and off the field. Ryan details how he dealt with the hurdles of growing up with alopecia and scoliosis and the bullying he suffered as a result of those conditions. The insight on amazing sports figures in top caliber programs such as Ohio State and the Steelers was awesome for me as a fan. The love he has for his adopted city of Pittsburgh and the fans really resonated with me, being a Yinzer myself. His faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds will have you rooting for him as a man, father, husband, and player. From being given a 20% chance to ever walk again, to just 17 months later being able to dance at his own wedding…awe inspiring. As you can tell I am a big fan, of Ryan, and of his book. Thank you to @grandcentralpub for an ARC of this book.
November 10, 2021
Let’s go ahead and address the NFL fandom elephant in the room - as most of you know, I’m a die hard Cleveland Browns fan. So the fact that I am telling you this book from the arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Shazier is a must read should really get your attention.
This is definitely a book that NFL football fans will enjoy, particularly if you are a Steelers fan. But it truly is about so much more than that. Family and faith are prevalent throughout the memoir, but the part that I really connected with was his approach to overcoming challenges. While I have a chronic illness and he was dealing with an extremely serious injury, we have very similar approaches and I loved seeing him detail the impact of a positive attitude and focusing on gratitude. This was such a moving story and while I may not be a fan of the team, I can absolutely say I am 100% a Shaliever. I think so many people would benefit from hearing his story, I absolutely recommend you pick this one up!
Thank you to @grandcentralpub and @shazier for this ARC. Walking Miracle will be out on November 30.
This is definitely a book that NFL football fans will enjoy, particularly if you are a Steelers fan. But it truly is about so much more than that. Family and faith are prevalent throughout the memoir, but the part that I really connected with was his approach to overcoming challenges. While I have a chronic illness and he was dealing with an extremely serious injury, we have very similar approaches and I loved seeing him detail the impact of a positive attitude and focusing on gratitude. This was such a moving story and while I may not be a fan of the team, I can absolutely say I am 100% a Shaliever. I think so many people would benefit from hearing his story, I absolutely recommend you pick this one up!
Thank you to @grandcentralpub and @shazier for this ARC. Walking Miracle will be out on November 30.
March 15, 2022
An inspiring read, especially for this Steelers fan who can never shake the memory of that fateful Monday when the author lay on the Cincinnati turf paralyzed from the waist down. To watch one of the most powerful, game-changing linebackers in Steelers history be immobilized by a fluke accident shook so many people to the core. Shazier documents his drive and determination to walk again, turning to the Stoics for inspiration. As all of Pittsburgh prayed for his recovery, he drew on his faith and the support of a city and a nation to push harder and harder. He documents his journey to standing up at the 2018 NFL draft to announce the Steelers’ first round pick, and his emotional Zoom session in 2020 when he announced his retirement from the game to concentrate on helping others fighting spinal cord injuries. You don’t have to be a Steelers fan to get something out of this book. Written in collaboration with Larry Platt.
December 18, 2021
I appreciate how he highlighted the limited amount of therapy available to most patients with spinal cord injury.
Here's a quote that I found particularly poignant:
"It actually took more fight and will and stamina to walk on a treadmill in the six months after my injury than it ever did to leave it all on the practice field as an NFL player. That's because on the treadmill I was fighting my own body. My muscles, which had gradually awakened in the first three months after the injury now had a short shelf life. I'd have to push them to exhaustion and then beyond. I had to work them into shape before even thinking about the process of recovering their lost memory. In other words, before seeing if I was capable of football movements, I'd have to get my body strong enough to even try them."
Here's a quote that I found particularly poignant:
"It actually took more fight and will and stamina to walk on a treadmill in the six months after my injury than it ever did to leave it all on the practice field as an NFL player. That's because on the treadmill I was fighting my own body. My muscles, which had gradually awakened in the first three months after the injury now had a short shelf life. I'd have to push them to exhaustion and then beyond. I had to work them into shape before even thinking about the process of recovering their lost memory. In other words, before seeing if I was capable of football movements, I'd have to get my body strong enough to even try them."
February 6, 2022
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I was watching and praying when Ryan Shazier was injured four years ago (see the injury here: https://youtu.be/1_a-l4a-qgw) and I remember when it was announced he’d likely never walk again. Then I remember the doctors being proven wrong when Ryan WALKED onto the stage with his now wife and announced the Steelers’ 2018 draft pick. (See that moment here: https://youtu.be/XNBQ6M7BoeE) There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere! Myself included!
This book is Ryan’s story in his own words. What an inspiration he is. If you don’t believe in miracles, I promise this man’s story will change your mind. I will always be a “Shaliever”! God is good!
This book is Ryan’s story in his own words. What an inspiration he is. If you don’t believe in miracles, I promise this man’s story will change your mind. I will always be a “Shaliever”! God is good!
June 13, 2022
My parents asked for this as a gift, and after they read it and liked it, they asked me to read it. This is not my kind of book, hence the low rating. The self-help stuff is not my cup of tea, and I have a drastically different theology than Ryan. However there were still some bits I liked:
I enjoyed reading Ryan's inside perspective on growing up as a star athlete, dealing with bullying about alopecia, the inside look at the Steelers and other NFL coaches and players, and his discussion of the challenges retiring athletes face. I like that he acknowledged the privilege he had in his rehab experience, and I think it's great he's working to help less privileged people get better rehab. I'm very glad for him and his family that he was able to overcome such a tragedy.
I enjoyed reading Ryan's inside perspective on growing up as a star athlete, dealing with bullying about alopecia, the inside look at the Steelers and other NFL coaches and players, and his discussion of the challenges retiring athletes face. I like that he acknowledged the privilege he had in his rehab experience, and I think it's great he's working to help less privileged people get better rehab. I'm very glad for him and his family that he was able to overcome such a tragedy.
February 28, 2023
By far the most inspiring book I’ve ever read, and it only took me a few chapters to decide that. Being a Steelers fan, this hits so much harder and the amount of respect I have for Shazier is through the roof. I’m all about a true underdog story and his come up represents just that.
I was reading this while recovering from knee surgery and it helped me mentally. He brings up Stoicism in his passages and it motivated me to just think that everything is going to be ok if you keep trying your best and always find a positive thing about something.
I miss this guy in the black and gold and wish him nothing but the best. If you’re looking for a wholesome biography to read and lift you up, this is the one.
I was reading this while recovering from knee surgery and it helped me mentally. He brings up Stoicism in his passages and it motivated me to just think that everything is going to be ok if you keep trying your best and always find a positive thing about something.
I miss this guy in the black and gold and wish him nothing but the best. If you’re looking for a wholesome biography to read and lift you up, this is the one.
September 26, 2022
This was alright. If people don't know the story, its about Ryan Shazier who played for Ohio State in football and got drafted by the Steelers and then got really hurt and paralyzed making a tackle. I picked it up at the library waiting in line because I am a Steelers fan and wanted to hear his story and learn about how his faith has gotten him through it. It was OK and the editing probably could have been much better. He seemed to bounce around a lot in chapters when it came to the past and present times. Those parts probably could have been cleaned up better.
Overall short read and good story. Just a person you want to root for.
Overall short read and good story. Just a person you want to root for.
July 13, 2025
3/5. I have such conflicted opinions on this book. On one hand, I saw the hit that paralyzed him and ended his football career live, I have a Ryan Shazier shirt, and he was one of my favorite football players. I also like how he speaks out about his faith and is a proponent of God. On the other hand, his wife accused him of cheating and had screenshots, which led to their divorce, and reading him write about how much he loves his wife feels a little disgusting. On some levels, this book feels like it was written by a football player, and it can be seen as a reminder that we don't know what's going to happen in our lives 5-1o years down the line.
November 21, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Walking Miracle by Ryan Shazier that I read and reviewed.
I am a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I was watching the game the night Ryan Shazier was hurt and reading this book and learning how he dealt with his spinal injury and finally made the decision to retire was fascinating. The journey that he took and what he overcame and the courage he had to finally walk away from the game he loved gave fans and readers an insight into what a strong an inspirational man Shazier is.
I am giving Walking Miracle five out of five stars.
I am a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I was watching the game the night Ryan Shazier was hurt and reading this book and learning how he dealt with his spinal injury and finally made the decision to retire was fascinating. The journey that he took and what he overcame and the courage he had to finally walk away from the game he loved gave fans and readers an insight into what a strong an inspirational man Shazier is.
I am giving Walking Miracle five out of five stars.
January 4, 2022
If you think you know Ryan’s story, you’ll soon realize you only know a tiny snippet when you start reading this book. And let me tell you, his story is truly incredible and inspiring. This book is raw and honest, and that’s what I appreciate about it so much. Ryan is honest about what it was really like dealing with his injuring and the unglamorous behind the scenes of his recovery and the hundreds of hours of work he put in just to begin to walk. It’s a beautiful story and it’s filled with motivation. This should inspire everyone to work for whatever their goal is in life.
August 16, 2022
Husband ordered this so I decided to read it as well. Way to much football detail for someone who doesn’t understand the game, team and history. Even in the moments about injury and recovery I found it hard to not feel the privilege of someone with unlimited access to healthcare and all the extras. While I appreciated him finally acknowledging this and starting his foundation. The book just didn’t sit well with me. I don’t like to criticize memoir’s as I believe everyone should get to tell their story. I’m glad he got to.
January 22, 2023
3.5 stars. Ryan's story is incredibly inspiring, and I genuinely enjoyed listening to his insight on what carried him through each step of his healing. I felt like it was a bit choppy at parts between the healing journey and the football journey before the injury. I think the indepth analogy of his seasons as a player may have been a bit distracting from the heart of the book, though I do understand the importance of him explaining just how much football is a part of who he is. His story is powerful, and I'm excited to see how he continues to grow his new mission moving forward!
February 15, 2023
Before Damar Hamlin, watching Ryan Shazier get paralyzed was the worst thing I had ever witnessed in a football game. As a die hard Steelers fan, of course I couldn’t wait to read this book and learn more about Ryan and his recovery and what he’s done since retiring. I wanted to give this book more stars, but even though I love football, I found myself growing bored of all the stats and game details and tips on how to be the best athlete. It’s an Inspirational story, and he is a really good guy, but I think the book could have been better written.
October 28, 2022
Talk about an inspiration! Ryan has been through so much in his life with his toughest fight obviously being paralyzed. I have to say the man takes it all with a smile. I’m not saying everyday was roses, he is human. BUT he sure does strive to find the best in what is out there! If you are feeling sorry for yourself, someone you know, or just want to read a great inspirational book, this is it!
November 4, 2022
Beautiful story of the power of mindset & positive thinking.
Truthfully, as a non football fan, found the more football-specific chapters (as it related to ryan and the Steeler’s performance in specific games, seasons or plays) a bit boring and skipped through them.
The first couple chapters were definitely the most captivating (recounted his injury, initial recovery period, and the attitude of himself and his family that helped him heal)
Truthfully, as a non football fan, found the more football-specific chapters (as it related to ryan and the Steeler’s performance in specific games, seasons or plays) a bit boring and skipped through them.
The first couple chapters were definitely the most captivating (recounted his injury, initial recovery period, and the attitude of himself and his family that helped him heal)
February 23, 2023
For those of you who don’t know, I’m the BIGGEST Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I vividly remember the Monday night football game that left Ryan Shazier with paralysis. This book was so inspiring. I don’t know how someone could read it and not want to give their all in everything they do. I loved reading about Shazier’s faith, medical journey, and all about the Steelers organization. Such a good read!!
January 28, 2025
I needed this book upon my retirement 10 years ago. I have always had the utmost respect for Mr. Shazier. Now it is through the roof. He honestly addresses his journey through football lessons, love, parenting, being a son, faith in God and medical recovery. I was lost after cancer treatments and retiring from a 40 year career. He eloquently described what I failed to verbalize. I am so very glad he shared this with the reading world. I needed it.
February 4, 2022
Thank you Ryan for sharing your journey with Steelers Nation! You were a beast on the field and truly a beast with your writing. It was so nice to hear about your family, teammates, the Steelers organization, UPMC and all of the folks along the way. You gave the glory to God and are an example of trusting in Him. I truly enjoyed reading your book!
February 16, 2022
What a great attitude. Life altering injury and he came through it with a great perspective. I wasn't sure what to expect but this book was great. As I life long Buckeye (and Bengal) fan I was easily able to over look him being a Steeler. I already knew Pittsburg took care of him but it was nice to be reminded of that.
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