Draft night is always emotional. Players' dreams are fulfilled and there lives are changed forever when their names are called by the commissioner. There were tears from a handful of draft picks last night, but the moment that stole the hearts of the audience in Dallas, and the entire NFL community was provided by one of the league's established stars. 

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a life-altering spinal injury in December in a tough rivalry game against the Bengals. Shazier had no feeling in his legs and required spinal stabilisation surgery as a result. 

His recovery story has since become an inspirational point in the NFL. He's been making encouraging progress, posting workout videos and slowly learning to walk again, but he has been ruled out for the 2018 season by the Steelers.

The All Pro linebacker made a surprise appearance on stage last night, walking out along with his wife to announce the Steelers selection of safety Terrell Edmunds out of Virginia Tech with the 28th-overall pick. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Shazier 'inspires us all' and there were few dry eyes in the house as the former first round pick slowly made his away out onto stage. 

Whilst the pick itself was a surprise, the enormous outpouring of support that emerged for Shazier from players and media members was not. Countless NFL stars took to social media to express their admiration and love for a member of their close fraternity that is nothing short of inspirational. 

“That’s a huge lift, not only for him, but for us,” Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said of Shazier's incredible moment. “To see where he has come from to where he is and knowing where he might be able to go, it’s beyond inspirational.”.

"Since he had been working with us in the draft preparation, we thought that would be a good opportunity. It was up to him. He did great. It's amazing." Colbert added. 

Shazier expressed his own gratitude for the widespread support he's getting on his Twitter page, writing: 'I’m truly blessed and humbled from all the prayers, love, and support that I have received . This is what keeps me going. Just continue to #Shalieve'

The moment was an abrupt reminded of how quickly great things can be taken away, and just how far the Pro Bowler has to go in his recovery as he limped out onto stage. 

Shazier continues to inspire everyone around the NFL, and one can only hope to see him make what would be an incredible full recovery in the future.