Heart warming: Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign paralysed ex-Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand in symbolic gesture
Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, made one player’s dream of being part of a National Football League (NFL) franchise come true.
In a heart warming gesture the Bucs announced the signing of Rutgers defensive tackle, Eric LeGrand who is paralysed after a horrific spinal cord injury.
The youngster in an emotional talk with the press said that it was a dream come true to become part of the Buccaneers.
"It's something I always dreamed about, go to the NFL and retire and become a sportscaster."
Adding further he said.
"Dreams do come true if you really believe. You do the right things in life, good things happen to you. He really just did this out of the kindness of his heart. It's really what he wanted to do. I had no idea this was going to happen."
LeGrand suffered his injury two years ago while playing against the Army team.
Doctors at first told him that he would be quadriplegic and will have to remain on a ventilator. However, the defensive tackle recovered significantly and five weeks later started breathing without aid and now can even move with the help of a metal frame.
Speaking on his signing by the Bucs, LeGrand said the move just shows the great personality of coach Schiano.
"It's a symbolic gesture. They can't give me any money with the salary cap and all that kind of stuff. It's symbolic, something Coach wanted to do and I appreciate that. It just shows the man that he is."
The youngster is currently continuing his studies for a degree in labour studies and will graduate this year.
This is a great gesture by the franchise and coach, Schiano for a player whose every dream seemed crushed after his injury.
Schiano in a statement released to the media on Wednesday, said that the signing was just a small manner in which the franchise have recognised the character and spirit of LeGrand and he is one of those people who he considers as “Buccaneer Men”
LeGrand will have his name mentioned in Tampa Bay’s roster and the Bucs will send his new team colours over to him.
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