One day ago, the former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier sent a deeply emotional message to former HC Mike Tomlin. It was such a touching message that the LSU head coach, Lane Kiffin, couldn’t resist responding to X.

“Football gave me everything I could have ever wanted and more. It taught me about hard work, dedication and teamwork,” said Shazier. It took me to college and the NFL. It made me money and gave me a life that most people could only dream about.

SHARING HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE. STUDENTS GOT THE CHANCE TO VISIT FACE TO FACE WITH RYAN SHAZIER AND LEARN ABOUT HIS LIFE BEYOND THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND THE OBSTACLES HE’S HAD TO OVERCOME SINCE THAT LIFE CHANGING INJURY BACK IN 2017 AND OBSTACLES LONG BEFORE ...

Ryan Shazier is far from finished — that much is certain. After suffering a spinal injury during a game against the Bengals Dec. 4, 2017, many wondered if the Steelers linebacker would walk again. Then, Shazier walked. Then, he lifted weights.

Earlier: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier officially retired from the NFL on Wednesday, announcing the news on social media. A first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2014, Shazier made two Pro Bowls in his first four professional seasons.

"I know that we have - with the passion of LSU family and our LSU players - that we have everything to bring championship football back to LSU. “It’s time for LSU to take its place back as the best program in all of college football.