Xnex Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/ncf/news/story?id=5696563NEW YORK -- Rutgers junior defensive tackle Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal-cord injury in the Scarlet Knights' 23-20 overtime win over Army on Saturday and is paralyzed below the neck, the school announced Sunday.Emergency surgery to stabilize LeGrand's spine was performed Saturday night at Hackensack University Medical Center. LeGrand is in the intensive care unit there, and will remain there for at least the near future."Eric, his family and the Rutgers football family believe he will recover," said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. "We ask our fans and the entire Rutgers community to believe and pray for Eric as he begins the recovery process."[+] EnlargeRich Kane/Icon SMIRutgers junior defensive tackle Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal-cord injury in the Scarlet Knights' 23-20 overtime win over Army on Saturday and is paralyzed below the neck.The injury occurred with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game, just after Rutgers had scored a touchdown to tie the game at 17. LeGrand was attempting to make a tackle on the ensuing kickoff, and was involved in a violent collision with Army's Malcolm Brown. LeGrand lay motionless on the field for several minutes before being carted off.Schiano said he spent the night at the hospital, along with LeGrand's family, several teammates, and other friends. "Eric's spirits were as good as you can expect," Schiano said. "He's a fighter."LeGrand, from Avenel, N.J., is a backup defensive tackle and special teams player, but is one of the leaders on the squad. Schiano mentioned on a conference call with reporters Sunday afternoon how LeGrand was a member of the team's leadership council the past two seasons -- second only to the team captains in terms of leadership responsibilities."Eric is a big, strong, nice guy, who when he hits the field, always comes to the facility with great energy," Schiano said. "A guy who really loves to play the game. I think a lot of people like [the game] a lot. This kid loves it. He's a great teammate."No further information was available regarding the prognosis for LeGrand's recovery."No one knows," Schiano said. "We are gonna believe that Eric LeGrand is gonna walk onto the field again with us. That's what we believe.""We want to say thank you to everyone for all of your prayers, kind words, and well wishes," the LeGrand family said in a statement. "We appreciate every single thought. Eric is in good spirits and we are praying for a full recovery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiodawg8 Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 That's too bad to hear, what a shame. God Bless Eric and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuyDawg Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Very sad news. Our thought and prayers go out to this youg man's family and the entire Rutgers community. Lets hope for a speedy recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan567 Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 This is very sad to hear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 very sad news.. prayers to him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Threepac Daddy Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 teared up for the kid, had a friend was almost paralyzed in a similar fashion in a high school game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kicker_jesus Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 Horrible news!! I hope, and pray, that he will regain full movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvt5045 Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 terrible news. best wishes to him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unconquered. Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 My linkGuys lets do what we can. The link above will let you send a get well message to Eric. This is one thing all fans can unite on. Whether you're a bulldog, gator or longhorn. Lets show him that we have his back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kicker_jesus Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 My linkGuys lets do what we can. The link above will let you send a get well message to Eric. This is one thing all fans can unite on. Whether you're a bulldog, gator or longhorn. Lets show him that we have his back.Thanks for the link Cody! I just left him a get-well message... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuyDawg Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 My linkGuys lets do what we can. The link above will let you send a get well message to Eric. This is one thing all fans can unite on. Whether you're a bulldog, gator or longhorn. Lets show him that we have his back.Good job on the link man. We sent him a message as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan567 Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 Sent him a get well message! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xnex Posted October 19, 2010 Author Share Posted October 19, 2010 My linkGuys lets do what we can. The link above will let you send a get well message to Eric. This is one thing all fans can unite on. Whether you're a bulldog, gator or longhorn. Lets show him that we have his back.Thank you for putting in the work to find that link and post it here Cody; it was appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unconquered. Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 Not a problem guys. This really shows no matter what team you root for, we can all come together when the time is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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