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Former Ohio State and current Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has been selected as an honorary captain for the Buckeyes' spring game on April 14. Shazier suffered a career-threatening spinal injury in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4. Days after being injured, Shazier had spinal stabilization surgery. He spent eight weeks in a hospital and currently is enrolled in an outpatient rehabilitation program.
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He's vowed to return to play but has been ruled out for the 2018 season.
The other honorary captain will be two-time Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins wore the Scarlet and Gray from 2005-08, helping the Buckeyes reach BCS games four times in his four years.
The New Orleans Saints picked Jenkins with the 14th selection in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Shazier played in Columbus from 2011-13, a stretch that saw Ohio State notch 24 consecutive wins in Urban Meyer's first 24 games.
"I'm thrilled, and I can't wait to see these two heroes back in Ohio Stadium," Meyer said in a news release. "The respect and admiration I have for each of these young men is off the charts, and I am so proud of our program and for the Ohio State fans that these players want to come back and be a part of our spring game."
An estimated 80,000 fans are expected to pack Ohio Stadium for the game.
