Eric LeGrand Being Honored By N.J. High Schools

Before Eric LeGrand made his way to Rutgers University, he was a football player and student at Colonia High School in New Jersey. Known as a great young kid on and off the field, LeGrand was always well liked.

LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down after suffering a spinal cord injury to the C3 – C4 vertebrae. The injury occured when LeGrand made a tackle while covering a kickoff against Army last weekend at New Meadowlands Stadium.

The Rutgers University junior remains at Hackensack Medical Center and everyone is hoping for the best recovery possible.

Approximately 150 high schools in the state of New Jersey have teamed up with Ridell to honor LeGrand this weekend. Ridell is donating decalls to these schools that players will wear on their helmets.

The decal will be a two-inch white oval with LeGrand’s No. 52 in scarlet numerals.

The idea was started at Colonia High, where they will wear the decals in navy and gold, the school’s colors. Colonia head coach Ben LaSala is touched at how this idea has taken off.

“This is awesome,” LaSala said. “This is just unbelievable. I never thought it was going to get like this. I don’t think it’s as much for his football as for what a great kid he is. I just think that’s where this outpouring comes from.”

Ridell will also be sending the decals to Kean University and William Paterson University.

“We are gladly doing this for New Jersey football and we believe that there is strength in numbers,” said Mike Frauenheim, Ridell’s Central Jersey sales representative.

The outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and concern for Eric LeGrand has been amazing. His recovery will be a long, hard process. Our continued support will go a long way in keeping everyone positive.

It is nice to see New Jersey high schools and Ridell stepping up to show their support. A true picture of how New Jersey sticks together.