Greg Schiano didn’t leave paralyzed defensive tackle Eric LeGrand behind when he left Rutgers to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though it took a few months, he brought him right along with him. The Bucs announced Wednesday that they have signed LeGrand, who remains paralyzed. “Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,†Schiano said in a release by the Bucs. “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.†LeGrand played in 31 games during his time with the Scarlet Knights, recording 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries, before his playing career ended prematurely. On October 16, 2010, in a game against Army during his junior season, LeGrand suffered fractures of two vertebrae and a serious spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Despite being told that he would be a quadriplegic and resigned to a ventilator, LeGrand persevered and a mere five weeks after the injury, resumed breathing on his own, later, he even became able to stand upright with the help of a metal frame. Source: Tampa Tribune
Awesome move by Schiano and the Buccaneers. It's always nice to see a good story every once in a while.
ok................So are they going to be seen in the same light when they cut the guy to use the roster spot?
Uhhhhhh.....glass half empty huh? Of course they are going to release him that's not the point.:icon_rolleyes:
^ Nope. How about give the guy a spot in the team PR office? If his health is continuing to improve, let him speak to kids and survivors of traumatic events as a someone who is adapting to and possibly overcoming such obstacles.
The point is this would have been his draft class, so they signed him to the team not the front office. Don't understand why this has you wound a little tight?
Couldn't it be like a week long contract or something so they don't have to cut him? But as mush said, that's not even close to the point of this.
Mush -I'm in contact with WIA Vets on a daily basis......99% of these guys are embarrased because someone else has to open a door for them or help them get dressed and they are all proud people. I may be wrong but I would believe Eric doesn't want to be made a charity case. That's why it hits a nerve.
I think it's a very class move and he should be assigned to the PR team or whatever the heck they're called. I think it'd be VERY inspirational even if he never walks again. I know folks who are in the same situation and sometimes kind of give up because there's not a whole lot they can do. Let him show people that regardless of your limits anyone can succeed. Then to top it off he'll have access to the best doctors to help him recover. It's a win-win.
Know where I'll be at 4:15 Sunday, September, 9th 2012??? Raymond James Stadium watching Mr, LeGrand lead my Bucs out onto the field vs. the Panthers.
No doubt. Buddy of mine is a professional outdoors photographer, gonna give him one of the four season tix I have.
