Paralyzed football player inspires others

All Practice Areas

A former football player great, Eric LeGrand, who played at Rutgers, which is located in New Jersey, was paralyzed during a football game. LeGrand broke to vertebrae and suffered a severe spinal cord injury while returning a kickoff. LeGrand's story is significant in that he has provided hope to a great many individuals that have suffered similar injuries. LeGrand has since his injury been able to stand upright with the assistance of a metal frame. LeGrand's jersey has been purchased online so that it can benefit research into spinal cord injuries. A book chronicling his life is soon to be released. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to a symbolic contract as a sign of support, and he recently announced his "retirement" from the Buccaneers. LeGrand has continued on with his college studies through video conferences. Hundreds of football players suffer injuries to the spinal cord every year, and too often such individuals are paralyzed from the waist down or even neck down in the process. Many such individuals are high school students. Often, such injuries occur during kickoff returns. Because such injuries are so debilitating, families of victims suffering such injuries will require financial assistance. Personal injury attorneys will help such families to find those available options. Though LeGrand's story does demonstrate the importance of never giving up due to a paralyzing injury, it also demonstrates the extreme challenges that such individuals must face on a daily basis. He will need to continue on with therapy while at the same time pursuing a college degree, and he knows that he will never be able to again play the game that he loved. Source: NorthJersey.com, "Paralyzed former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand announces 'retirement' from Bucs," July 27, 2012