In a symbolic gesture, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, whose career was ended by a spinal cord injury, on Wednesday morning.
LeGrand played for Tampa Bay coach Greg Schianio at Rutgers. In an Oct. 16, 2010 game against Army, LeGrand suffered fractures of two vertebrae and a spinal cord injury.
LeGrand initially was told he would be a quadriplegic and would have to remain on a ventilator. Five weeks later, LeGrand began breathing on his own. Later, he became able to stand upright with the aid of a metal frame.
LeGrand resumed his studies last spring. He led the Scarlet Knights onto the field for an Oct. 29, 2011 game and has remained very close with Schiano.
“Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” Schiano said. “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.”
The Bucs also decided to make the signing on May 2, to symbolize LeGrand’s college number (52).
LeGrand is planning to graduate next fall with a degree in labor studies.
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