Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy absorbing steering column assembly with a J-shaped lower intermediate shaft that is coupled to an upper intermediate shaft. The J-shaped lower shaft includes a curved “slider” portion that fits within a bent portion of the upper shaft such that even when the rigid connection between the J-shaped lower shaft and the upper shaft is broken, the slider portion of the J-shaped lower shaft remains in contact with the upper shaft. Such a configuration enables the driver to maintain control of the vehicle through the steering wheel.