(Photo Courtesy: Vernon Shazier/Twitter @VernonShazier)
Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a spinal injury making a tackle in a December 4th game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The two-time Pro Bowler underwent spinal stabilization surgery two days later on December 6 and has been at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center since rehabilitating.
Thank you for the prayers. Your support is uplifting to me and my family. #SHALIEVE
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, Shazier’s father, Vernon, says that the family is relying on their faith in God during this time.
“We’re praying for healing and keeping our mind and faith strong,” Vernon told ESPN. “We know we’re in a deep valley, but we do not feel alone. It’s easy to be faithful in a storm, but we’re not talking about a drizzle. We’re talking about a hurricane, a category 5 [hurricane], lots of metaphors to describe it.”
Vernon, an NFL chaplain told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that there has been an outpouring of support and prayers and the Shazier’s feel the love that has been sent their way.
“You’ve got little kids that are praying for him. He has over a million people praying for him,” Vernon said. “It’s coming from so many different sources. … I got an email from a kid who has a medical issue, where Ryan has touched his heart. You have kids wishing Ryan gets better for Christmas. It’s keeping us up.”
Vernon told Fowler that they’ve never questioned why the Lord allowed this to happen to their NFL linebacker son, and they believe that through all of this, God remains who He says he is.
“We haven’t asked why. Bad things happen to good people,” Vernon said. “But God’s always faithful.”
Join us in continuing to pray for Ryan and the entire Shazier family during their time of recovery.
For more, you can read the entire ESPN article here.
New York Giants QB Jameis Winston greets U.S. fans, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Thousands of soccer fans from around the world have descended upon North America over the past month to cheer on their teams, experience some of the novelties of American culture, and celebrate the absolute best that “the beautiful game” has to offer.
Yet perhaps no one has had more fun than NFL quarterback Jameis Winston. The New York Giants veteran has been serving as Fox Sports’ World Cup correspondent, stepping into some of the unique traditions of other nations and inviting a captivated American audience along for the wild ride.
The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, 2013 national champion with Florida State, and No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston seemed destined for a lengthy NFL career. What may not have been as expected is that he’s morphed into one of the most engaging personalities in the league.
And as can be seen in his World Cup coverage, Fox Sports is taking full advantage. Winston has also covered the 2025 Super Bowl with Fox Sports and the 2026 MLB opener with Netflix.
“Can’t wait to be back with @FOXSports team,” he wrote on X after announcing he’d be a World Cup correspondent, “and be part of the biggest global sporting event in the World!”
What makes Winston’s extended foray into television this summer more remarkable is that he’s still an active NFL player. The 32-year-old is entering the second season of a two-year deal with New York, last year backing up rookie Jaxson Dart. The Giants held their offseason organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp just before the start of the World Cup on June 11, and their training camp begins a few days after the World Cup final on July 19.
But even with his sights set on a possible second career in television once his time in the NFL comes to a close, Winston isn’t coasting to the finish line. In fact, many believe the 2015 Pro Bowler is still a top-five backup quarterback in the league. He talked about his NFL future, and his deep desire to win a Super Bowl before it’s all over, in his most recent appearance on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in April.
“I believe in the team that’s around me, and I believe in a God that’s providing me with these opportunities,” he said on the podcast about his still yet-to-be-achieved NFL aspirations.
Throughout his career, Winston has also emerged as one of the most recognizable followers of Christ in the NFL. He said on the podcast that he’s learned over the years to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than chase the approval of other people.
“I was so consumed with being liked by my coaches, you know what I’m saying? Being sought in the eyes of my fellow players as a great player,” he said about his early days in the NFL, “that I missed the fact of, ‘God already called me to do this! Why am I trying to go above and beyond to impress somebody that didn’t write this and who didn’t finish it for me?'”
The combination of his gregarious personality, his expressive and candid demeanor, and his Bible-saturated wisdom makes Winston an effective motivator. As a result, he often breaks down Giants huddles, and when it comes to the things of faith, he seeks to inspire others so that they too might come to know the saving grace of his Heavenly Father.
“[God] has given me the responsibility to create disciples in His Name and spread His Word and be bold about Him,” he said on the podcast. “I’m so happy and grateful that God sent His only begotten Son on this earth to die and rise again for not just me but for all of us.”
Winston and his teammates will begin preparing for the 2026-27 season when the Giants report for training camp at the end of this month. New York hopes to improve on a 4-13 record a season ago and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022-23.
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST HOSTED BY MATT FORTE, FEATURING MILES MCPHERSON
Miles McPherson was selected in the 10th round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After being released, he was picked up by the San Diego Chargers, where he would play four seasons as a defensive back.
During his time as a player, McPherson became a follower of Jesus Christ, a decision that would eventually lead him to becoming a pastor. For the past 26 years, he has been the senior pastor and founder of Rock Church in San Diego.
Today on the podcast, Miles shares about the state of the young Christian athlete, his NFL journey, transitioning away from football, the importance of sharing the Gospel, and the importance of “Just 1.”
