One year ago today Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was taken off on a stretcher unable to move his lower extremities and it was unclear if he would ever be able to walk again. Shazier suffered a spinal contusion and it's been a long road back but just this week he started to jog, which is a big step in the recovery.

Shazier made a post on his Instagram page on Tuesday talking about the injury and giving thanks to everyone that has helped him along the way through the injury.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_VJALAJ7I/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=p4fvocslxeu8

“Today is a day to remember,Just a year ago my life changed forever. It was a scary moment for many people. I’m not going to lie, I was one of them. I’ve learned this was an amazing opportunity for the Lord to show how great He is. It’s been a crazy, long journey, but it is not over yet. The best worst part about this journey that I’m on is the unknown. Day by day it’s getting better than the the day before.

“Today is and was a day of joy. I want to thank all of the amazing people that have been a part of this process with me, starting with the one and only Michelle. And lets talk about my ride or die boy.. my number one man..my son RJ knows how to keep a smile on my face. My parents and siblings have been there through the thick and thin. There was more than a million tears cried over this year, but now they are all of joy. Love you guys. My friends and teammates, man y’all don’t understand just the little things you’ve done that have pulled me from darkness to the light. To the Steelers-there’s no better organization. Thank you for being family to me.”

Shazier said after the injury happened that his goal was to make it back onto the football field and play for the Pittsburgh Steelers again. He still seems a ways off from that, and it's unclear if he will ever make it to that goal, but the progress he has made is remarkable. Just a year ago he couldn't feel his legs and now he is running and getting closer and closer to living most importantly a normal life.