Walking miracle How faith, positive thinking, and passion for football brought me back from paralysis ... and helped me find purpose
Book - 2021
"All American at Ohio State and All Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier has learned to live his best life, and come to terms with the game he loves and has given him so much. And as Ryan has also learned: success is no longer measured by tackles or sacks; it is measured by purpose and strength. WALKING MIRACLE is the story of this new definition of success. The narrative follows 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 t...o the team. What Shazier didn't realize is that along the way, he was preparing himself for another purpose. The journey was preparing him not for a renewed life as a middle linebacker, but a renewed life as a father and husband, philanthropist, and football analyst. 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 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 so much more"--
- Subjects
- Genres
- Autobiographies
Biographies - Published
-
New York :
Grand Central Publishing
2021.
- Language
- English
- Main Author
- Other Authors
- Edition
- First edition
- Physical Description
- x, 243 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : color illustrations ; 24 cm
- ISBN
- 9781538706251
- Introduction: "Ya Gotta Shalieve!"
- Chapter 1. "Daddy, Pray for Me"
- Chapter 2. Faith. Discipline. Integrity.
- Chapter 3. "No One Has Ever Had This Injury Before"
- Chapter 4. The Obstacle in the Path Becomes the Path
- Chapter 5. "I'm Not Going Anywhere"
- Chapter 6. Recovery Road
- Chapter 7. David with the Slingshot
- Chapter 8. Luck Is the Residue of Design
- Chapter 9. The Comeback
- Chapter 10. Those Who Remain Become Champions
- Chapter 11. The Terror of Living Without the Game
- Chapter 12. Ah... Purpose!
- Chapter 13. "You Can Retire from the Game of Football, but You're Never Going to Retire from Being a Pittsburgh Steeler"
- Epilogue: Lessons
- Acknowledgments
- About the Authors
Review by Kirkus Book Review