Walking Miracle

How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back from Paralysis...and Helped Me Find Purpose

By: Ryan Shazier, Larry Platt

Narrated by: Ryan Shazier, Adam Lazarre-White

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Ryan Shazier, Larry Platt (P)2021 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"I have known Ryan Shazier since his sophomore year in high school and coached him at The Ohio State University. He has always been one of the most relentless athletes I have ever been around. This along with his competitive spirit and talents made him one of the top LBers in college and then in the NFL. He took this same relentless approach and competitiveness to coming back from paralysis. Walking Miracle is a testament to how much hard work, faith, and positive thinking can change a life and inspire others." (Urban Meyer, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach)

"Walking Miracle is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. Anyone who has dealt with a difficult time in their life or have had to overcome huge obstacles or personal battles will be able to relate. Steeler Nation and football fans across the country who witnessed Ryan’s journey to walk again should support this book. Ryan's story is a true testament to his unbelievable will, desire, and shows who he is as a man." (Snoop Dogg)

"Ryan Shazier is a walking embodiment of the idea that the obstacle is the way. His story will not fail to inspire you." (Ryan Holiday, number one New York Times best-selling author of Stillness Is the Key)

I dare you not to be inspired!

I knew this book would be inspiring, but I didn’t expect to take away so many lessons for my own life. This is a must-read for not only any Steeles fan, but any sports fan and any fan of a human comeback story!
I was initially disappointed that Shazier did not narrate the book, but I really enjoyed the narrator!

Inspiration for Your Journey

This is a GREAT story. The narrative is clear and well paced. The narration is superb. I found myself lost in this amazing story of perseverance and strength in the face of a life changing injury. Football fan or not, you will be drawn to the lessons this book offers and swept up in the miracles that faith, family, community and hard work bring about. If you,or a loved one, are facing a setback, a challenge, a test of faith that you didn’t see coming, this book is for you!

Great book on perseverance

Story is based on Ryan’s obstacles and overcoming them. How he paved the road ahead.

A true story that WILL in courage and inspire!

As a lover of football, the Steelers and Pittsburgh, I was so happy to see this book be released! Ryan’s story is an amazing one of strength, bravery, perseverance and faith! I’ve already recommended this book to many people and several immediately started it and love it every bit as much as I have! Thank you for sharing your story RS! God Bless

Amazing recount

This book is very interesting and motivational! an extremely well written recount of the days that changed Ryan’s life forever.

Awesome

I’m a Steelers fan, and when this happened to Ryan I was heartbroken, not because of the game, but from one person to another. I’m so happy to see you recover with no regrets. 💪🏾

This book will change you

A great book. While listening to this book I was inspired. And this is gave me insights to the life of this young man. A truly inspirational story

Amazing life lessons in this book!

I enjoyed this book so much, thank you for sharing so many life lessons. Your career/job is a platform to assist you with living your life and helping others along the way.

Ryan Storytelling

I loved everything about the book and would recommend anyone to listen especially if you are a steelers fan