The Pittsburgh Steelers had a great one in linebacker, Ryan Shazier. In the ever-unpredictable world of the NFL, where draft day decisions can shape the destinies of young talents, the story Shazier's journey from being on the cusp of becoming a Dallas Cowboy instead of a Steeler stands as a testament to the twists and turns that football careers can take. Selected 15th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier's unexpected shift to the Steel City marked a defining moment in his football career.
"Dallas Cowboys called my agent. My agent walked around the table and was like, 'Ryan, you're about to be drafted with the next pick.'"
Shazier recalled, offering a glimpse into the surreal turn of events that awaited him on that fateful draft day. As he stood on the precipice of realizing his NFL dream, the phone call from the Cowboys left him with a feeling of imminent anticipation. It was the 14th pick, and with two more selections to go, he believed he was on the cusp of donning the silver and blue of the Cowboys.
In a draft where fate can pivot with each pick, Shazier had reason to believe that the Steelers were not in the running for him. They had informed him that they were not interested in taking a linebacker, which naturally led him to consider other potential destinations.
"It was the 14th pick, so I was like, 'Alright, so that means the Steelers. I don't know who they are going to draft because they already told me that they are not drafting a linebacker, so I thought they would draft like a DB or something, and I will probably go to the Cowboys.'"
Like many young players in the draft, Shazier had his hopes and expectations for the NFL's grand stage. Then came a call that would forever change the course of Shazier's professional football career.
"I get a ring on my phone, and it was a 412 number, and it was the Steelers. I knew it was the Steelers because I had teammates that were from Pittsburgh."
As Shazier answered that call from the 412 area code, he found out he was going to become a Steeler.
"I picked up the phone, and they were like, 'Are you ready to become a Steeler?'"
The question posed by the Steelers organization marked a moment of exhilaration for Shazier. His anticipation of becoming a Cowboy had taken an abrupt turn, leading him to an entirely unexpected destination. It was a journey that would eventually become one of the most exciting and transformative experiences in his life.
Steelers' Couldn’t Miss Out
The Steelers' decision to select Shazier in the 2014 NFL Draft was not just a twist of fate, but also a testament to the organization's ability to recognize exceptional talent when it presented itself. Despite their prior declaration of not drafting a linebacker, Shazier's skill set and potential were too impressive to pass up. The Steelers saw in him not just a linebacker, but a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball. Which he most certainly exceeded their expectations.
Shazier's arrival in Pittsburgh would prove to be a turning point for both the young athlete and the franchise. In the black and gold of the Steelers, Shazier established himself as a dynamic force on the field. His athleticism, speed, and tenacity made him a key component of the team's defense, earning him accolades and recognition from fans and experts alike.
Throughout his career with the Steelers, Shazier displayed exceptional versatility and playmaking ability. His impact extended beyond the field, as he embodied the spirit of the Steel City and its unyielding commitment to success. His perseverance and dedication were an inspiration to teammates, coaches, and fans alike, making him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and beyond.
While the journey to the NFL may be filled with unexpected twists and turns, Shazier's story serves as a reminder that destiny often has its own plans. From the brink of becoming a Cowboy to the embrace of the Steelers, Shazier's career exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the remarkable possibilities it can offer to those who seize the moment.
In the world of professional football, where aspirations and destinies are determined by draft selections, Shazier's journey from Dallas to Pittsburgh remains a memorable chapter in the annals of the NFL. His exceptional talent and the Steelers' keen eye for potential brought together two forces destined to create an unforgettable legacy in the game of football.
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