In one of the classiest moves I have ever seen, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added former Rutgers Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Eric LeGrand who was tragically paralyzed in a game in 2010, to their 90-man off-season roster.
Tampa Bay Bucs coach Greg Schiano, who had coached LeGrand at Rutgers when his accident occurred said this:
“Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class. 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.”
According to The Buccaneers website:
LeGrand was just a junior when he suffered his injury, so it’s impossible to predict if his football path would have ended in the NFL under other circumstances. At the time, he had played in 31 games and recorded 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Still, his signing with the Buccaneers this spring is still the fulfillment of a dream, as it allows him to bring attention to the issue of spinal cord injuries and the ongoing research to find a cure. LeGrand’s unfailingly positive attitude has amazed many, but he draws strength from his desire to be an inspiration to others who suffer similar injuries.
Kudos to the entire Buccaneers organization on this great move, and after following the LeGrand story for quite some time now I have no doubt he will play a vital role in the Buccaneers organization.
“It’s a symbolic gesture. They can’t give me any money with the salary cap and all that kind of stuff,” LeGrand said. “It’s symbolic, something coach wanted to do and I appreciate that. It just shows the man that he is.”
H/T Dr. Saturday
