LeGrand Being Honored When Sky Blue FC Hosts North Carolina Courage in Next Home Match
Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that motivational speaker, philanthropist and former Rutgers University defensive tackle Eric LeGrand will serve as the team’s honorary captain when it welcomes the North Carolina Courage to Yurcak Field on Saturday, May 19. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:00 p.m. and a special on-field ceremony will be conducted to honor LeGrand.
“Being a fan of Sky Blue FC has been incredible because, not only do I get to see some great soccer, but they also support me and my foundation Team LeGrand,” said LeGrand. “I could not be more thankful for such a great relationship.”
LeGrand has been a long-time supporter of Sky Blue FC and the game of women’s soccer. Throughout the years, he has been a regular attendant at Sky Blue FC home matches, and he most recently introduced Carli Lloyd this past Sunday for her induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Sky Blue FC will be reciprocating his ongoing support again this year at his 8th Annual A Walk to Believe 5K Run and Fun Walk on Sunday, June 3, which will take place at High Point Solutions Stadium at Rutgers University.
“All of us at Sky Blue FC are so grateful for our relationship with Eric LeGrand, and we proudly support his mission,” said Tony Novo, Sky Blue FC President & General Manager. “You simply cannot find a more inspiring role model than Eric LeGrand. His strength, positivity and perseverance serve as a means of motivation for anyone who comes in contact with him. We look forward to honoring our longstanding friend and supporter on May 19, and we encourage everyone to support his foundation by attending A Walk to Believe on June 3.”
A native of Avenel, N.J., LeGrand attended Rutgers University, where his hard-nosed grit and determination made him a multi-faceted player for the Scarlet Knights. His team-first demeanor was very emblematic in his continuance to play on special teams even after he became a starter at defensive tackle. On October 16, 2010, LeGrand was running downfield on the kickoff team like he had done so many times before. Also, as he had done so many times before, he reached the ball carrier, but this time the tackle resulted in a C3-C4 injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Told by doctors that he would never breathe again without the help of a respirator, and certainly never walk again, the true warrior inside LeGrand took form. By January 2011, he was already breathing completely on his own, and he had also regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body. Aggressively pushing through his physical rehabilitation, he vowed to walk again and has since developed numerous philanthropic initiatives to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.
Professionally, LeGrand has stayed close to football by working as a broadcaster, and he achieved his National Football League (NFL) dream when former Rutgers University and then Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano signed him to the final roster spot with the Bucs in 2012. Additionally, he has also received high accolades in many other venues, such as his no. 52 being retired by Rutgers University, receiving the Jimmy V Award at the 2012 ESPYs and being inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame as a recipient of their Warrior Award.
Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation was established in 2013, with proceeds going towards research to find a cure for paralysis and helping to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. To find out more about the foundation, visit them online: TeamLeGrand.org
Sky Blue FC heads to Seattle Reign FC this weekend before returning home to Yurcak Field on Saturday, May 19, hosting the North Carolina Courage for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets for that match are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).
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