Bucs DT Eric LeGrand officially announced his retirement from the NFL early Thursday morning. His reasoning for doing so makes you love this kid even more. LeGrand wanted to give up his roster spot to someone who could actually use it.
Tampa Bay Bucs Head Coach Greg Schiano was the Head Coach of Rutgers University when LeGrand sustained his paralyzing injury on the field two years ago. So in one of his first acts as Bucs Head Coach, Schiano signed the Defensive Tackle shortly after the 2012 NFL draft.
LeGrand said via his twitter page, (@EricLeGrand52) “…I knew I wouldn’t keep the roster spot forever and my team enters camp today and I want them to go in with a full squad of 90 people so I am not in the way of them reaching a championship.” He goes on to say, “I am still a Buccaneer for life, just not as a player….I will be a part of the team forever.” LeGrand now will join the reserve/retired player list.
I personally commend the Bucs organization for such a classy move. They made LeGrand’s dream of making it to the NFL come true, while also benefiting themselves in the process. I’m sure the resilience and positivity that he shows was a huge boost for the players and coaches. Hopefully we can all witness him walking on his own again someday.
