Bucs Sign Eric LeGrand

[FirstTimer]

TAMPA, Fla. -- 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.

“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.
” -- Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano,
on signing Eric LeGrand

LeGrand played for Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano 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.

 

[jaxjaggywires]

So, does this also mean the Bucs will assume the medical bills for him? If so, that would be super cool of them...

 

[st lickem]

what's his cap number?

 

[EmpireWF]

Classy gesture from Schiano.

 

[JeremyHight]

Schiano has always been kind of a tough guy, making sure to push for discipline and the like. This goes a long way towards making sure the players know he cares, too, which can be a big thing. You don't want to be too extreme in being either too friendly or too angry as a coach and this gives him a nice middle ground. Good to hear.

 

[Sigona]

This is awesome. To be able to know that one day, he is going to actually stand on the NFL sideline as well is even more amazing of a story. Yes, he is going to walk again, I guarantee it.

From Monday

Thinking about waty life is going to be like when I get back on my feet, and I can't wait. Keep bELieving with me.

 

[Rudi]

Very respectable move by the Bucs. Can't hate on this at all

 

[Juggernaut]

Good classy move. Just saw LeGrand's facebook status.

 

[BigBucs]

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

A+ move.

LeGrand seems like a real good kid, FWIW.

 

[Bigpapa42]

Awesome to see that people still matter in the NFL.

...sometimes...

 

[Rylo]

Very classy.

 

[BigBucs]

@EricLeGrand52
Contract just came in the mail