LeGrand inspires Rutgers with progress
Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers defensive lineman, is honored in Albertson by Abilities!, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. (May 19, 2011) Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
Even from a wheelchair, Eric LeGrand is contributing to Rutgers this season.
Ten months after LeGrand suffered a serious spinal injury making a special teams tackle against Army, the defensive tackle was at the team's media day Sunday and reported that he has been able to stand for up to 40 minutes at a time.
He will soon begin treadmill therapy that will re-train his legs to "start walking again." He also plans to be on the sidelines of every home game this season and as many road games as possible. His teammates hope to feed off that.
Defensive tackle Scott Vallone says LeGrand has become a role model for the Scarlet Knights and the nation "by having so much adversity and being able to come back."
