Heartbreaking: A very loyal Rutgers player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood made the announcement that the Scarlet Knights would retire former defensive tackle Eric LeGrand’s jersey during the America Athletic Conference media days. LeGrand was paralyzed during a game against Army in 2010.
In the lengthy history of the program, Rutgers has never retired a number before, but LeGrand’s number 52 will be honored on September 14 during the Scarlet Knights’ game versus Eastern Michigan. But according to Flood, it will just be a temporary move:
Former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, who suffered a paralysis while playing for the university in 2010, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced today (via Adam Schefter).
Greg Schiano, the head coach of the Bucs, was in charge of Rutgers when LeGrand had an injury.
“As we approached the draft, it occurred to me that this ought to have been Eric’s draft class.The least we could have done to honor his perseverance, character, and spirit would have been this modest gesture. Eric’s way of living is a perfect example of what we want in Buccaneer Men.”
Many others have found inspiration in LeGrand’s journey of recovery. He has tweeted out and assisted in leading the Rutgers football team during a game last season (see photo above).
