Ryan Shazier, a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his wife Michelle have formally filed for divorce.
This choice was made over a month and a half after Michelle accused him in public of being unfaithful.
Michelle made the shocking accusation against Shazier in the final week of November, sharing on Instagram her worries about his adultery.
She shared a number of screenshots, some of which purportedly showed text exchanges between Shazier and Marie.
One particular note caught our attention, implying that Shazier had sent materials, including manuals on sexual practices.
Michelle vented her frustration in the harsh caption that accompanied the now-deleted post:
“A guy who is devoted to his family would do this to his wife, who has supported him from the beginning! The epitome of infidelity! I can no longer sit here and remain hidden. It’s yours to have. Better is due to me. It’s Ryan here. He is dishonest and deceitful.
Next, in response to these serious accusations, Ryan Shazier has addressed the situation.
Confirming that he and Michelle are currently living apart and undergoing a separation, the 31-year-old athlete released a statement to TMZ saying:
Michelle and I have been living apart and are currently separated. As we work through what comes next for our family, I ask for privacy and prayers.”
Ryan Shazier and his estranged wife, Michelle Rodriguez tied the knot in 2019.
They share a four-year-old son named Lyon.
Plus, the ex-Steelers linebacker also has a son from a previous relationship.
Here are a slew of pictures from the time when Ryan and Michelle’s marriage was going well and they were happy together:
In 2014, Ryan Shazier was a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and signed a four-year contract with the team, totaling $9.50 million, including a $5.23 million signing bonus.
During his rookie season, Shazier, as the starting left inside linebacker, displayed promise despite facing some injuries. In his debut season, he tallied 36 tackles in five starts and eight games.
Continuing as the starting inside linebacker in 2015, Shazier overcame setbacks due to injuries and made significant contributions, finishing the season with 87 tackles, 3½ sacks, and an interception in 12 starts and 12 games. He played a vital role in the AFC wild-card game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In 2016, Shazier kept on shining, recording notable stats, including interceptions and sacks. Despite encountering injuries, he remained a pivotal player for the Steelers, concluding the regular season with 87 tackles, 9 pass deflections, 3½ sacks, and 3 interceptions in 12 starts and 13 games. His impact extended into the playoffs.
The 2017 season began positively for Shazier, marked by an outstanding performance against the Cleveland Browns. However, tragedy struck during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he suffered a severe spinal injury after a head-on tackle. Although he underwent spinal stabilization surgery, ending his season, Shazier remarkably earned his second Pro Bowl nod.
In 2018, the Steelers declared that Shazier would not play, leading to his placement on the reserve/PUP list for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Ultimately, in 2020, he was put on the reserve/retired list. On September 9, 2020, Ryan Shazier officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
