Eric LeGrand to Have Jersey Retired
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Patrick McDermott/Getty Images(PISCATAWAY, N.J.) — Almost three years after suffering a spinal cord injury, former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand will have his No. 52 jersey retired on Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
This marks the first time in Scarlet Knight’s 144-year program that a player’s jersey will be retired.
LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down on Oct. 16, 2010 while making a tackle on kickoff coverage against Army. Following the debilitating injury, in which many said he would not be able to eat without a feeding tube, LeGrand has not only done just that, but he also went back to campus to finish his degree, wrote a book, and in the process has become a national inspiration. LeGrand also works in the radio booth during the Rutgers broadcast and has his own foundation, Team LeGrand, which raises money for those suffering from paralysis.
LeGrand, an Avenel native and former Colonia (N.J.) High School football player, continues to work hard towards his goal of walking again and getting up from the very spot he was injured at MetLife Stadium against Army. He is set to graduate following his fall semester at Rutgers.
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