The Steelers' reputation as being an organisation that oozes class has never been stronger than today. Ryan Shazier, the team's star linebacker who is ruled out indefinitely with a serious spinal injury that could yet end his football career, was the recipient of an amazing gesture from them, Thursday.According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Steelers are converting $8.26 million of Shazier's $8.718 million base salary for 2018 into a signing bonus, meaning he'll receive the money immediately. 

The two-time Pro Bowler was placed on the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, reaffirming what we already knew; he will not take the field in 2018. 

The move was made at the request of Shazier himself, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, and though it doesn't influence anything cap-wise it's another reminder of the unwavering respect and class with which the organisation treats it's players. 

NFL teams are so often embroiled in tense battles to recoup money from injured players, but this situation has felt different from the moment the inspirational linebacker went down.

He's an integral cog in the locker room, the leader of the defense, and he's been rallied around by the entire city of Pittsburgh with the Steelers at the forefront of the efforts to ensure he stays a beloved part of their organisation, regardless of his playing status. 

The 25-year-old's future in the game remains in serious doubt, but he's got all the support and care he could wish for, and he is making progress. 

Since undergoing spinal stabilisation surgery back in December, Shazier has made a series of public appearances at sporting events. But, there was something different about his appearance at the 2018 NFL draft. 

Shazier walked out onto the stage to announce the Steelers first round pick, something he hadn't done in the public eye since suffering the injury, and the emotion in the building was palpable. 

His teammates dedicated their playoff push to their fallen brother last season, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll have something in store to show him their support for 2018.

Whether that be in the form of a jersey patch or a helmet sticker, the Steelers do things the right way and they're once again proving why so many players rave about what an amazing organisation it is to play for. 

Shazier's road back to the football field looks to be a long, arduous one, but there's clearly no better team for him to face this adversity alongside.