Eric LeGrand (Wrestlezone)

Since the inception of the Warrior Award, WWE has given back to those in a major way. This years recipient is a true fighter, former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand. He will be honored at this years WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. ESPN was the first to report the news.

The Warrior Award is presented to the person who, “has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.” The New Jersey native is the epitome of courage and unwavering strength. Eric LeGrand became paralyzed in 2010 while with Rutgers. That did not stop him though, and he continued to go to classes (via Skype) and had a big presence in the locker room. He is now a motivational speaker and an analyst for the Rutgers Football Radio Network.

WWE will also donate $25,000 to Team LeGrand, which raises funds for research to find a cure for paralysis. It also looks to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. Team LeGrand is also a part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. A huge wrestling fan, LeGrand was ecstatic when he got the call from Triple H. He stated in the ESPN report:

“I honestly can’t put it into words yet. It has not sunk in that I’m going to be a part of the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony with all these great superstars…WrestleMania is one of the biggest events in the world and to have my name attached to it and be a part of it as a small kid from Avenel, New Jersey, is a true blessing and a true honor. It just shows you if you do right in the world, good things do happen to you.”

Last years Warrior Award winner was cancer survivor and journalist Joan Lunden. Connor “The Crusher” Michalek was the first person to be inducted. The Warrior’s wife, Dana Warrior, will be presenting the award once again.

The award has been a controversial discussion over the years. Before The Ultimate Warrior died, he cut a promo saying WWE should honor the employees that are behind-the-scenes. WWE decided to go a different route. While it may not be what he had in mind, its still a great gesture that cannot go unnoticed. Maybe one day those employees will be honored.

Congratulations to Eric LeGrand. The 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 31, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.