Sports

Rutgers to retire LeGrand’s number, the first in program’s history

On Oct. 16, 2010 Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand became paralyzed from the neck down after breaking two vertebrae during a kickoff return tackle. Almost three years later, he will make Rutgers history.

LeGrand’s Scarlet Knights No. 52 jersey will be retired by the University on Sept. 14 during a Rutgers home game against Eastern Michigan, head coach Kyle Flood announced during the American Athletic Conference media day on Tuesday. It will be the first number retired in the program’s history.

Since the life-changing incident, LeGrand has slowly rehabilitated and is able to stand with his specialized metal frame and continues to be a radio broadcast analyst for the team’s games.

In 2012, LeGrand signed an honorary contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his former coach at Rutgers Greg Schiano.

With AP.