Eric LeGrand on CBS College Football Today

Submitted by Gulo Gulo Luscus on

Eric LeGrand, former Rutgers DT who was paralyzed during a game vs. Army on October 17, 2010, was a guest panelist on CBS College Football Today. I'll applaud CBS for bringing him on the show and treating him like any other visiting commentator. Needless to say, I am blown away by Eric's resilience in moving forward with a positive outlook on life. Seemed like his broadcasting skills aren't bad either, as he did some radio for Rutgers recently. Great to see a kid like that in the media as a representative for individuals and families dealing with the challenges of a serious physical injury.

Props to both CBS and Eric for reminding me to take a step back from the ledge of rabid fandom, and I hope all the MGoReaders can do the same for at least a minute during the bye week. Wishing health and sanity to you all after an emotional week for the board.

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justingoblue

October 22nd, 2011 at 3:39 PM ^

First post in MGoHistory to use the tag "human reslience". (Good story by the way, I hate hearing stories about people in their prime suffering injuries of that nature, so it's nice to see he's staying positive.)

Joined: 11/16/2010

MGoPoints: 29741

Blueroller

October 22nd, 2011 at 4:48 PM ^

Thanks for posting this. I had a spinal cord injury 30 years ago and have been on wheels ever since. This kid is doing wonderfully, especially given that it hasn't been that long since his accident. Part of it is him, but a huge part of it is the support he's getting from what I call the Three Fs – Friends, Family, and Finance.

I'm encouraged and surprised to read that he had five months of inpatient rehab at Kessler Institute. That's one of the top places in the world – Christopher Reeve did most of his rehab there, and I go regularly. Most insurance won't cover anything close to five months these days. He's getting the best care there is.

Like most newly injured folks, he is determined to walk again. That wasn't realistic back in my day, but it probably is now. If not, it is possible to have a great life on wheels. I have. You never know what you're capable of getting used to until it becomes your norm. Eric is making the most of his new normal. It's great that he likes the attention. (I didn't. Being told that you are an "inspiration" when you're just living your life can feel pretty ridiculous.)

Good for everyone in Eric's family and the Rutgers community. Whatever his future holds, he seems ready for it.

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 1670

Gulo Gulo Luscus

October 22nd, 2011 at 5:27 PM ^

I really appreciate the reply- especially the bit about being an "inspiration." I am amazed by the power of the human will, but tried my best not to frame the post in a light that further isolates or patronizes those who have gone through an injury of that nature.
"You never know what you're capable of getting used to until it becomes your norm. Eric is making the most of his new normal."
This post and the one regarding the Akron student's suicide fly under the radar next to things like "who do we root for?" and "afternoon games open thread," but insight like that is what makes the board worthwhile.

Joined: 12/18/2009

MGoPoints: 3909

Stike A Pose

October 22nd, 2011 at 7:49 PM ^

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/10/13/eric.legrand/index.html

 

SI had a write up on him not too long ago as well.  Eric is quickly becoming one of my favorite people.  He has such a positive outlook on life that it's refreshing everytime I read something from him. 

My favorite story in that SI article is about the car he saved up for.  Basically he saved all his money from two jobs he worked to get a car.  He said he owned it for 2 hours before getting the car totalled when the driver behind him rear-ended his car.  His mom was freaking out about the car, and he simply said: "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."  Just shows you the type of person he is.

Joined: 10/16/2011

MGoPoints: 191