Rutgers’ Sept. 14 game against Eastern Michigan will be a special occasion for the Scarlet Knights. Coach Kyle Flood confirmed during AAC media day that the school will retire Eric LeGrand‘s No. 52 jersey just before kickoff.
Additionally, Flood said that when LeGrand walks again, the jersey number will be unretired and will hold a special meaning within the program.
“We’re excited to be able to do that for him and his family,” Flood said. “It will be a great day, not just for Rutgers football, but for the LeGrand family and everybody that’s associated with us.”
LeGrand sustained a significant spinal cord injury during a 2010 game against Army that left him paralyzed from the neck down. However, LeGrand has slowly but surely regained some sensation in his extremities. His hard work in rehab and positive attitude has made him one of the most inspirational figures in sports today..@EricLeGrand52‘s #52 will be the first jersey retired in 144 years of #RFootball. #bELievepic.twitter.com/IrroZQsnNP
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) July 30, 2013