Watch: Former OSU LB Ryan Shazier takes stage to announce Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick

CLEVELAND -- Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker and current Pittsburgh Steelers defender Ryan Shazier walked onto the stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to announce his team’s pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft Thursday night.

Shazier announced the selection less than five months after suffering a severe back injury that required him to be carted off the field at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati and spend months in the hospital recovering from surgery.

Shazier drew a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance, and Steelers season-ticket holders were shown fighting back tears as he announced that former Virginia Tech safety Terrell Edmunds was the No. 28 overall pick in the draft.

What a moment as Ryan Shazier walks out to announce the Steelers' pick of Terrell Edmunds pic.twitter.com/0GvrRAOaBs

A first-round pick of the Steelers in the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier suffered the serious back injury during a Monday Night Football game at the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4 while trying to make a tackle in a game that was full of injuries and personal fouls between the AFC North Division rivals.

Shazier was injured when his head hit the right shoulder pad of a Bengals receiver. Immediately, he fell to the field and his legs flailed awkwardly as he rolled onto his back. As a result of the hit, Shazier had to undergo spinal stabilization surgery before being able to return to Pittsburgh to start the rehabilitation process.

On February 1, Shazier was discharged from the rehabilitation facility at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and to commemorate the occasion, he took a picture standing side by side with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and shared it with the world through social media.

I’ve had a lot of 1st downs at UPMC, but you know being the defensive guy I am, my mind is on 3 and out. With that being said, I want everyone to know that I’m moving on to the next step of the process. Today’s a big day for me as I’m officially being released from the hospital. I want to take a moment to thank the people who have helped me the past two months. First and foremost, I want to thank God because at the end of the day I don’t think I’d be making progress without His vision and hands protecting me and my family. I will continue to trust in Him and thank Him, because it all starts with Him. To my family: you’ve been my rock. Words can’t express how thankful I am for you Michelle, RJ, Mom, Dad, and VJ for always being there for me. You’re my everything. To Jerome: my trainer and best friend. Thank you for being there from day 1 and every day after continuing to push me to be better every day. I’d like to thank Dr. Okonkwo, Dr. Harrington, Dr. Maroon, and Dr. Schroeder for their amazing work on my procedure and continuous care. I can’t appropriately express how grateful I am for how quickly you’ve helped me bounce back. I want to thank the medical staff at UPMC for their amazing care, support and therapy they have given me- especially Joe, Nikki, Karolina and Dani. I know the staff will continue to help me find a way to keep on pushing as we continue therapy. The support from my teammates has been truly amazing. From former players to current players and their families- they have helped me and my family day to day with visits and gifts. We can’t thank you enough. I want to thank Mr. Rooney, Coach T, Mr. Colbert, and the entire Steelers organization for the unwavering support they’ve given me. I knew they were an amazing organization, but more than ever they’re family to me. Lastly, I want to thank Jimmy, Candice, and the CAA Sports staff for being here when I need them most. I don’t know if I’d be where I’m at or making the progress I’m making without you guys. I want everyone to know that all of the support and prayers are absolutely being answered. I will continue to work hard and push and find a way back. #Shalieve #Steelers #prayfor50

A post shared by Ryan Shazier (@shazier) on Feb 1, 2018 at 10:57am PST

A three-year starter for the Buckeyes, Shazier registered 210 solo stops, assisted on 107 others and made 317 total tackles, 45.5 of which went for lost yardage during his career at Ohio State. Additionally, Shazier collected 15 sacks and returned his only career interception 17 yards for a Buckeyes touchdown.

Since joining the Steelers, Shazier has twice been selected to the Pro Bowl.

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