In one of the most tragic stories of 2010, Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand fractured his C-3 and C-4 vertebrae while making a special teams tackle against Army on Oct. 16. LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of the collision, but all has been quiet about his condition since. The prognosis wasn't good for LeGrand, but he has improved since the initial accident in October.
Eric LeGrand, Paralyzed Rutgers Player, Begins To Regain Some Feeling
Speaking to ESPN, in an interview airing on SportsCenter Friday morning, LeGrand said he has feeling in his hands again and is able to move his shoulders. He opened up in the interview, talking about what was going through his mind as he laid motionless on the turf.
“Fear of death, that’s the biggest fear that I got because I couldn’t breathe the way I was breathing and I couldn’t move,” LeGrand said. “Laying out on the ground, motionless, not being able to breathe was the hardest part in thinking, can I die here?”
Though the road to recovery will be long for LeGrand, it’s encouraging to see he’s making progress. He still believes he will walk again and continues to keep a positive outlook on life, despite the long odds working against him.
In 2010, LeGrand’s story was a sobering reminder of how tragic the game of football can become in a split-second. 2011 begins with hope for LeGrand as he perseveres during the long road to recovery. Best of luck to him and his family as he continues he rehabilitation in hopes of walking again.
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