Eric LeGrand signs contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eric LeGrand, former Rutgers football player who was paralyzed after making a tackle in a game against Army, has signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers are coached by Greg Schiano, who left Rutgers in late January following 11 seasons on the Scarlet Knights’ sideline and who looked on as LeGrand’s playing career ended prematurely midway through his junior year in 2010.

“Leading up to the (NFL) Draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” Schiano said in a statement. “This small gesture is the least I 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 won’t play for the Buccaneers and it remains unclear what his role will actually be. Had he not suffered fractures of two vertebrae and sustained a serious spinal cord injury in the game against Army almost two years ago, it’s quite possible that LeGrand would’ve been in position to play professionally on his football talents.

After initially being told by doctors that he likely be a quadriplegic and resigned to a ventilator, LeGrand defied the odds and five weeks after surgery resumed breathing on his own. Today, LeGrand can stand upright with the help of a metal frame.

In addition to continuing his rehabilitation, LeGrand will be graduating from Rutgers this fall with a degree in labor studies. He also recently signed a contract with IMG, which is helping him pursue his broadcasting career.