Tampa Bay Bucs sign Eric LeGrand in symbolic gesture

In this Sept. 2, 2010, file photo, Rutgers defensive end Eric LeGrand holds up the ball after recovering a fumble against Norfolk State during an NCAA college football game in Piscataway, N.J. LeGrand, injured making a tackle on a kickoff return Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, sustained a horrific neck injury that has left him paralyzed below the neck. ((AP Photo/Rich Schultz))

  Eyewitness NewsTAMPA -- In a symbolic gesture, the Tampa Bay Buccaneerssigned Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, whose playing career was ended by a spinal cord injury, on Wednesday morning.

LeGrand played for Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers. In a game Oct. 16, 2010, against Army, LeGrand suffered fractures of two vertebrae and a spinal cord injury.

LeGrand initially was told he would be a quadriplegic and would have to remain on a ventilator.

Five weeks later, LeGrand began breathing on his own. Later, he became able to stand upright with the aid of a metal frame.

LeGrand resumed his studies in spring 2011. He led the Scarlet Knights onto the field for an Oct. 29, 2011, game and has remained close with Schiano.

"Leading up to the draft, I couldn't help but think that this should've been Eric's draft class," Schiano said. "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."

The Buccaneers also decided to make the signing May 2, to represent LeGrand's college number (52).

He put up a photo of a Tampa Bay helmet on his Twitter page, tweeting, "We ready!!!"

LeGrand is planning to graduate this fall with a degree in labor studies.

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