Bucs sign paralyzed former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand

[DanishGiant]

Rutgers University player Eric LeGrand's on-field football career ended October 16, 2010 when he was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle on special teams.

His dreams of playing in the NFL ended that day, but LeGrand will still be part of an NFL roster. His former coach, Greg Schiano,

signed him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wednesday to honor LeGrand and help bring attention to the issue of spinal cord injuries. LeGrand wants to raise money to help find a cure.

 

 

“Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” said Schiano. “This small gesture is the least we could do to recognize his character, spirit and perseverance. The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men."

LeGrand had a media conference call on Wednesday to talk about the signing. He was composed, upbeat and deeply appreciative of the gesture.

"It came out of nowhere," LeGrand said. "He told my mom about it I believe Monday night. Didn't tell me until Tuesday . . . I said 'I don't even know what to say right now. This is amazing, coach, thank you. Dreams do come true if you really believe.'"

LeGrand is working on his degree at Rutgers and hopes to transition to a career as a broadcaster. He

made the cover of Sports Illustrated and his return to the football field at Rutgers was named the moment of the year by SI's readers. He will not travel to Tampa to get his jersey; the Buccaneers will send everything to him.

In the meantime, LeGrand is focused on his rehabilitation. He said he can sit up by himself for 15 minutes at a time.

"That's exciting for me. I just got to keep it going every day and keep on believing," LeGrand said.

Schiano's gesture Wednesday is the type of classy move we don't often see in professional sports, where business often trumps sentiment. LeGrand's story should be sad, but his positivity throughout his ordeal has inspired so many.

We applaud Schiano and the Buccaneers for such an inspired idea.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828ce85d/article/bucs-sign-paralyzed-former-rutgers-player-eric-legrand

 

Really classy move, thumps up from me

[osi724dasack]

Very classy, FYI this section has been pretty dead for a while. It would be fine to post sports related topics outside of the Giants in general discussion. More people would read and respond.

[TaylorBanksCarsonVanPelt]

Yes a very nice move.... can't wait for the day that we can repair nerves to the point of being good as new

[CrazedDogs]

Very classy, FYI this section has been pretty dead for a while. It would be fine to post sports related topics outside of the Giants in general discussion. More people would read and respond.

 

LOL, yeah, I just found this section today.

[JMFP]

Awesome move.

 

As a Rutgers Alumni, I was really bummed when Schiano jumped to the Bucs.

 

But this was a classy jesture.