Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano leans over defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (52) as personnel prepare to take him from the field after colliding with Army's Malcolm Brown (23) as he tried to make the tackle during the second half of a football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. Rutgers won 23-20 in overtime. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle in a game against Army on Saturday at the New Meadowlands Staduim.
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The 20-year-old defensive tackle had emergency surgery to stabilize the spine and was resting in the intensive care unit at Hackensack University Medical Center, coach Greg Schiano said.
“Eric’s spirits were as good as you can expect,” said Schiano. “He was cognizant of me being there, his mom, everybody.
LeGrand was hurt after he made a tackle on Army player Malcolm Brown during the fourth quarter of the game. He was initially treated on the field by medical and emergency personnel while players from both teams took a knee and watched. Several players have visited the hospital and his mother.
The junior was a member of the football team’s leadership council for two years, and was known for his work ethic and commitment to the other players.
“As I talked to our team, we’re just going to believe that Eric LeGrand is going to walk onto that field again with us,” Schiano said. “That’s what we believe. We’ll see with the speed of which that happens.”
Rutgers’ ended up winning the game 23-20 in overtime.
With Associated Press
