Rutgers will sell Eric LeGrand's bourbon at sports stadiums
Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers University Scarlet Knights defensive tackle who was paralyzed during a game, announced a multi-year partnership with his alma mater on Tuesday.
Rutgers Athletics will be selling his Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at sporting events at SHI Stadium and Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway.
LeGrand launched his eponymous bourbon in March in collaboration with spirits entrepreneur Brian Axelrod, said a press statement from Rutgers.
More: Eric LeGrand creates new bourbon brand to help support those who are paralyzed
"Rutgers University made me who I am today," LeGrand said. "From playing on the SHI Stadium field during my college days to having my brand sold in the suites at the stadium, I am thrilled to be a proud partner of Rutgers Athletics."
What happened to LeGrand
LeGrand’s life took a dramatic turn at the Oct. 16, 2010, football game against Army when he was paralyzed, but in 2019 he told Fieldstone Middle School in Montvale during an inspirational speech that he still considered himself lucky.
“I’m still here, I'm still fighting, I'm still pushing,” he said at the time.
LeGrand and Axelrod have pledged to donate $5.20 from every case sold of Eric LeGrand bourbon to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which works toward finding a cure for paralysis.
"Eric is one of the greatest ambassadors for Rutgers Athletics," said Lisa Tirrell, associate athletic director of brand marketing and business development.
Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky, and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Staff Writer Ricardo Kaulessar contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers University: Eric LeGrand bourbon to be sold at sports events
