Few stories of homegrown perseverance have gripped the Garden State like that of Eric LeGrand.
Doctors thought the former Rutgers University football player would forever be a quadriplegic after he suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2010 game at MetLife Stadium. But LeGrand quickly shocked the nation with a slowly budding recovery and an undying will to press on.
Now, the 23-year-old Woodbridge resident is slated to receive a bachelor’s degree in labor relations from Rutgers. Two-and-ahalf years after the injury, LeGrand said he has completed his graduation requirements and plans to partake in a commencement ceremony in May.
“I just kept on going because I was so used to going to school and practicing,” he said. “I started school right back up in January [2011] and I got hurt in October [2010]. It was just normal.”
The feat is anything but typical, though. While LeGrand has made startling strides, he is still unable to walk and must push through a rigorous rehabilitation program.
Just as his determination to walk once again has inspired thousands, he hopes his academic achievement will motivate others.
“If I can do it — I can’t even put a pencil in my hand to write a paper — anybody else can really strive to reach their goals if they want to continue college,” LeGrand said.
That mentality reverberates through the halls of Colonia High School in Woodbridge, where LeGrand played under head coach Ben LaSala.
LaSala, who is now the school’s athletic director, said he points to LeGrand when students complain about trivial matters. And the mentor believes LeGrand will reach even brighter milestones in the future.
“It puts everything into perspective. Whatever you have happen in your life, look at what he was able to overcome,” LaSala said. “And eventually, one day, he’ll overcome more.” Jenna Beverly, LeGrand’s academic advisor and the director of academic support for the Rutgers football program, said LeGrand never made excuses or viewed his injury as a reason to not earn his degree.
“His learning process changed, but his focus did not. It was extremely rewarding going on this journey with Eric,” Beverly said. “We also cannot thank enough the university faculty and instructors who coordinated with us along the way to allow Eric access and support.”
LeGrand, who was a defensive tackle for the Scarlet Knights, said he found encouragement during his studies from the swarms of people who look up to him. His need to succeed proved especially crucial because so many individuals find inspiration in his actions.
LeGrand’s drive also motivates those who must struggle with the burden of paralysis, according to Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which sponsors the charity Team LeGrand.
“His graduation serves as evidence that when you believe and have the courage to move forward, you can make it to the end zone,” Wilderotter said. “I have no doubt that Eric will continue to persevere and change the stars for the paralysis community. Nothing can stop him.”
LeGrand is currently making a living as a motivational speaker. He said he hopes to further his career as a sports broadcaster.
But LeGrand had lighter plans last weekend. He received two tickets for wheelchair-accessible seats to the Super Bowl, courtesy of a real estate company based in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Feb. 2 game pitted LeGrand’s longtime favorite team, the Denver Broncos, against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium — the same field where LeGrand endured his devastating injury more than three years ago.
“My favorite team in the Super Bowl in my home state, in the stadium where I got hurt — it’s like a dream come true,” he said.