The entire Rutgers community BELIEVES LeGrand will be doing this again one day soon.
I’m proud to report injured Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, who suffered some paralysis trying to make a tackle in a game versus Army on Oct 16, is steadily improving and has movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body, according to Rutgers University officials.
The announcement comes following an ESPN interview that LeGrand granted to the sports network which will air Friday on its 9 a.m. SportsCenter.
LeGrand told ESPN that he had “the fear of death” while lying on the field after his injury, believing that he “could pass out and die here.”
LeGrand tried to give the crowd a thumbs-up signal when he was taken off the field. But he couldn’t, because it felt like “1,000 pounds was on this thumb,” he said in the interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi.
The 20-year old was initially diagnosed as paralyzed from the neck down, but doctors later upgraded his condition to an incomplete paralysis. He was taken off a ventilator in November and now breathes on his own.
“He believes that he’s going to be up and moving again,” Rutgers coach Greg Shiano said. “There’s no doubt in his mind.”
Great, great news. As a Rutgers alumnus myself, I can tell you that the whole RU community has been praying for this kid every since he sustained his injury.
I’m certain I speak for the entire Rutgers family in saying we are all thrilled at LeGrand’s improved condition and wish him a complete recovery. BELIEVE, Eric!
