Buccaneers Sign Paralyzed Player

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made an unusual move today, signing Eric LeGrand, an undrafted player who they already know will never play a game for them.

Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down while playing for Rutgers in a game against Army at Giants Stadium.  This would have been his draft class, but he hasn’t been able to walk since the October 2010 injury.

Buccs head coach, Greg Schiano, was the head coach at Rutgers from 2001-11, which means he recruited LeGrand, and coached him.  Yesterday’s press release said that Schiano was also there when LeGrand fell and didn’t get up in 2010, and will remain there for every step forward LeGrand takes in his recovery and his life.

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

Read more at buccaneers.com.

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What do you think of the Buccs move?