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I was born
I was born in Elizabeth NJ. I live with my mom and my sister. -
I sign up for Pop Warner Football
My mom signed me up for Pop Warner football becasue I have to much energy and I didn't know how to get it to go away. -
Made First Peewee Football Team
I played my first game in the peewees. I scored three rushing touchdowns, leading my team to victory -
Sports
I was a very active kid. I was like any other boy, and thrived on the rush of playing sports. Through my childhood I played baseball, basketball, and football. When I became a teenager though I fell in love more with football. -
Midgets Football Problem
I was weighing 15 pounds over the wight limit for midgets, so I had to play in the level if I don't lose weight -
Problem Fixed
I lost 15 pounds to play in my current level for midgets football. It was a lot of hardwork and training, but I think it was worth it -
High School Football
I made my high school football team. One problem is that the coaches think that I am too big to play running back, so they moved me to lineback. -
Scholarship
I get offered a scholarship to Rutgers University to play football -
Signing
I sign the letter of intent to Rutgers University -
Commitment
I commit to Rutgers University -
Official Visit
I officially visit Rutgers University -
Enrollment
I enroll at Rutgers -
College Decision
It is near the end of my high school career and time for me to make my college decision. I decide to go to Rutgers University and play football. -
First Collegiate debut as a freshman
I was only a freshman and the game was against North Carolina Tar Heels. -
Switched positions
Greg Schiano, my coach decided to change my position to defensive lineman. -
The First Game
It was my first game for a new team. The Rutger's coaches beleive that I should play on the kickoff team. I am up for anything that invloves me having more playing time -
Injury
I was injured when I collided with Army's Malcolm Brown on a kickoff after Rutgers tied the score at 17-17 in the fourth quarter at New Meadowlands Stadium. The top of my helmet made contact with Brown's left shoulder in a thicket of bodies near the 25-yard line. I crumpled to the ground, my body stiff. I lay motionless on the field as the medical personnel from both teams atteneded to me. -
The Hospital
I was rushed to the hospital immediatley after the hit. The next day the doctor came into the room and told me that I have a serious spinal cord injury, which means that I would be paralyzed. From then on my whole life would be changed from then on. -
Movement
On January 6, 2011, Rutgers announced that I had regained movement in my shoulders and sensation throughout my body. -
Summer 2011
I took my story more public by posting pictures of myself on my Twitter account, in July, standing straight up, with the help of a specialized metal frame, and announcing that he was slowly regaining movement and sesation in his arms. Overnight I gained 12,000 new followers. -
Return
On October 29, 2011, I returned to High Point Solutions Stadium, arm in arm with my teammates, for a Rutgers home game against West Virginia during a snow storm. My return to High Point Solutions Stadium was said to be the most indelible moment of the year and was awarded Sports Illustrated's Fans Choice Best Moment of 2011. -
Rutgers Division
The Rutgers Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the establishment of the "Eric LeGrand Believe Fund" to support me and my family. The Believe Fund's goal was/is to raise money to support the paralyzed player as he undergoes medical treatment for the injury he suffered against Army. The money will be used as my family sees fit. -
My Foundation
The Eric LeGrand Patriot Saint Foundation is dedicated to helping those with spinal cord injuries. Nike presented their Eric Legrand Foundation Game jersey for Tampa Bay fans who want to sohow thier support and spirt for me on my long road to recovery. All of the proceeds of Eric LeGrand's number 52 jersey which are on sale in the team shop go to this foundation. His jersey will remain on sale regardless of my team status. My role is to provide inspiration and support for others. -
Hall of Fame
In June 2012, I was presented the Unsung Hero Award by the New Jersey Hall of Fame. -
ESPY's
I was presented the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 20th annual ESPY's (Excellnce in Sports Performance Yearly Award). During my speach I announced that I will someday walk again. The Jimmy V Award recognizes me for overcoming great obstacles through physical perseverance and determination, and for living by the Jimmy V 'Don't ever give up!' moto. -
Retirement
I officially announced my retirement from football to free up a roster spot for the team. -
Star Ledger
I was named the most influential person in New Jersey sports by the Star Ledger. -
Believe
I wrote the book Believe: My Faith And The Tackle That Changed My Life. Mike Yorkey also helped me write it. Tim Tebow, autor of Through My Eyes worte "My friend, one of my heros, and a true inspiration." -
Jersey Retiring
On July 30, 2013, it was announced that Rutgers will be retiring the No. 52 jersey worn by me. -
Retirement Ceremony
At halftime of the Rutgers-Eastern Michigan game the cereomony was held. It was the first number to be retired by Rutgers in the 144 year history of their program. -
The Race
On May 14, 2014, Lolo Jones and I participated in a race called the Wings For Life World Run, held around the world, with proceeds going towards funding dedicated to spinal cord injury research. -
Labor Relations
I recieved a degree in labor relations from Rutgers and was asked to speak to fellow graduates at Rutgers' spring commencement exercises.
