In a first for the program, Rutgers to retire Eric LeGrand’s uniform number
Speaking at the America Athletic Conference media days, Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood announced that the Scarlet Knights would be retiring the jersey of former defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed during a 2010 game against Army.
Rutgers has never retired a number before in the long history of their program, but on September 14 - when the Scarlet Knights face off against Eastern Michigan - LeGrand will see his number 52 honored. However, it will only be a temporary move, according to Flood:
Flood said LeGrand's number will be unretired when he walks again and that it will be a significant/special number from that point forward.
— Tom Luicci (@TomLuicci) July 30, 2013
LeGrand has been an inspiration to millions since his injury, his positive attitude embodied in his response to the news:
Kyle Flood said LeGrand's reaction to having his number retired was typical Eric: Coach, I was wondering when you were going to do that. — Tom Luicci (@TomLuicci) July 30, 2013
An excited LeGrand thanked the program after the announcement went public:
What an honor thank you @RFootball this means the world to me pic.twitter.com/k0T15iS82h
— Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) July 30, 2013
A very classy move by Flood, and as special as that ceremony in September will be, I think we are all looking forward to the second one: When LeGrand walks on to the field to watch the #52 come down.
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