Eric LeGrand Announces ‘Retirement’ from Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Paralyzed former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand has retired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a little less than three months after signing with the NFL team.

LeGrand broke two vertebrae and suffered a serious spinal cord injury in October 2010 during a kickoff return against Army.

He resumed his studies via video conferences in 2011 and last fall led the Scarlet Knights onto the field before a game.

His former coach at Rutgers, Greg Schiano, is now the head coach of the Buccaneers. His No. 52 jersey remains available through the team’s website with the proceeds benefiting spinal cord research.

"I've been blown away by the tremendous outpouring of support, both in Tampa Bay and nationally, through this whole thing," LeGrand said during a conference call. "Everyone's support has really motivated me more and more to get better. I grind hard every day to (achieve) my main goal — and that's to walk again."

LeGrand is continuing to undergo therapy and hopes to finish school in the next year.