Eric LeGrand

Eric LeGrand Credit: Eric LeGrand (Getty Images)

Eric LeGrand will become the first Rutgers football player to have his number retired, the school announced Tuesday.

LeGrand, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since suffering a spinal cord injury while making a tackle during an Oct. 16, 2010, game against Army, tweeted his appreciation.

“What an honor,” LeGrand said on his verified Twitter account, “thank you @RFootball this means the world to me.”

The tweet included an image featuring his No. 52 Rutgers uniform and information on the retirement ceremony, which will take place on Sept. 14 when the school hosts Eastern Michigan.

Last year, LeGrand’s coach at the time, Greg Schiano, signed the Scarlet Knights defensive tackle to a symbolic contract after taking over as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
 

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME