Top Ten Moments of 2011: 1. Eric LeGrand Leads Rutgers Onto The Field

The average football fan might not know the name Eric LeGrand. No, Eric LeGrand did not score the game winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. No, Eric LeGrand did not kick the game winning field goal in the BCS title game. No, Eric LeGrand did not make the must-see, YouTube worthy catch of the year. Eric LeGrand did, however, help make the best moment in football from 2011. On a snowy day in Piscataway, New Jersey, former Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand led the Scarlet Knights onto the field for their game against West Virginia. Although it might sound like an ordinary event, the story behind LeGrand's opportunity to lead Rutgers onto the field is what makes this such an amazing football moment and one that won't be forgotten.


LeGrand was a top recruit out of Colonia High School in New Jersey and fielded scholarship offers from various Division 1 schools before deciding to attend Rutgers University. After seeing limited action during his true Freshman year, LeGrand played in all 13 games in 2009, recording 33 tackles as a defensive tackle. LeGrand continued to get playing time on defense and special teams during the first five games of his Junior season going into the October 16th game with Army. October 16th would be the day that would change Eric LeGrand's life forever. On a routine kickoff in the 4th quarter of a tied ball game, LeGrand collided with Army's Malcolm Brown when attempting to tackle him. LeGrand was unable to get up after his collision with Brown and laid on the floor for several minutes without movement. LeGrand appeared frozen on the 25 yard line, the crowd silent in fear. Fans and teammates began to realize the severity of injury when LeGrand was unable to give the usual thumbs-up when being carted off the field, still motionless from the hit. LeGrand was taken to the intensive care unit at Hackensack University Medical Center, where doctors determined that he was paralyzed from the neck down. At the young age of 20, Eric LeGrand, it appeared, would never walk again. 


Of course, if you know anything about Eric LeGrand then you know this remarkable young man would accept nothing less than perfection. And so he pushed on. LeGrand was transferred to world renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to undergo intense spinal cord rehabilitation in hopes of gaining movement and feeling in the areas under his neck. LeGrand announced in January of 2011 that he had regained sensation throughout his body and even movement in his shoulders. By July of this past year, LeGrand was able to stand upright during rehabilitation and began to regain movement in his arms. After proving that he can one day regain full control of his upper body, LeGrand continues to focus on regaining movement in his lower body. LeGrand believes he will one day walk again and, knowing his determination and courage, so do I. 

After spending the 2011 season as an analyst for the Rutgers radio network, LeGrand remained an integral part of the football program. Just over a year after LeGrand's career ending injury, head coach Greg Schiano asked LeGrand if he would lead the Scarlet Knights onto the field for their contest with West Virginia. LeGrand graciously accepted. LeGrand was met with a standing ovation from the Rutgers faithful who realize, like thousands of others across America, how courageous and remarkable Eric LeGrand is. LeGrand's entrance with the Scarlet Knights stole the show that day, overshadowing Rutgers' 41-31 loss and even earning Sports Illustrated's moment of the year. What a moment it was. LeGrand teaches us the importance of good character and moral fortitude and what young people can do when faced with tremendous adversity. Although he won't be scoring any touchdowns or making any third down tackles in the near future, Eric LeGrand is the type of role model that the game of football needs. Eric LeGrand is the type of man I look up to. The word "bELieve" is the motto for LeGrand's recovery, with the "E" and "L" emphasized for LeGrand's initials. I, like thousands of others, believe in Eric LeGrand. If this past year was any indication, 2012 will be a very good year for Eric LeGrand. Let's keep believing.