Ryan Shazier said in his first interview since suffering a severe spinal injury in early December that he plans to play football again.
"I've gotta get back, bro," Shazier said on Pittsburgh Steelers teammate Roosevelt Nix's podcast.
Shazier, 25, underwent spinal stabilization surgery Dec. 6 after a tackling attempt on Monday Night Football in Cincinnati left him clutching his lower back. The linebacker has utilized a wheelchair but is making progress in his rehab and was cleared for outpatient care on Feb. 1.
"I really feel I'm the best linebacker ever," Shazier said. "I just have to be back out there so everybody can see it. You know what I'm saying?"