Some stories I just never get tired of. They just speak to the power of the human spirit and remind me that we are part of a world community.
Eric LeGrand was a defensive tackle for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. On October 16th, 2010, LeGrand suffered a severe spinal injury in a game versus the Army Black Knights. It was determined that he was paralyzed from the neck down. Less than three months later, he regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body. By July, he was tweeting pictures of himself standing upright and was regaining strength in his arms. The following October, he led his team on the field in their home game against West Virginia:
It was Sports Illustrated's best moment of last year. But this is not the end of the story.
Yesterday, LeGrand was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a NFL contract. As the Bucs said, "LaGrand is a athlete, not was." The gesture was made by his old coach, Greg Schiano, who is now the head coach of the Bucs. “Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” Schiano said in the team’s statement. “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.”
Eric LeGrand was a defensive tackle for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. On October 16th, 2010, LeGrand suffered a severe spinal injury in a game versus the Army Black Knights. It was determined that he was paralyzed from the neck down. Less than three months later, he regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body. By July, he was tweeting pictures of himself standing upright and was regaining strength in his arms. The following October, he led his team on the field in their home game against West Virginia:
It was Sports Illustrated's best moment of last year. But this is not the end of the story.
Yesterday, LeGrand was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a NFL contract. As the Bucs said, "LaGrand is a athlete, not was." The gesture was made by his old coach, Greg Schiano, who is now the head coach of the Bucs. “Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” Schiano said in the team’s statement. “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.”
When I read stories like this, it speaks volumes about the guy even though I never met the guy personally. At the least he earned the respect of both his teammates and the coaching staff. Again, that sprit thing.
Call it favoritism, call it publicity or call it whatever you want. For me, i'll just call it alright.
BreezyG also wishes a solemn Rest In Peace to future Hall of Famer Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. We like to keep it on the field on this sports page, so simply put his achievements included his 12 Pro Bowl appearences and membership on the 1990's All-Decade team as well as the San Diego Chargers hall of team team. Off the field, he headed the Junior Seau Foundation, which has the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.
I'll always remember his on field fire. He played every play as if was his last. My only off the field question is, Why?
Good articles ,enjoyed them. As of yesterday I was blessed with joining the 1/2 century club, and congratulations on being back in da flow, stayed with it. PEACE
ReplyDeleteThe story about LeGrand was awesome and mad props to Tampa Bay for the gesture.
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