Eric LeGrand On WFAN: 'I 100 Percent Believe I Will Walk Again'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- We all know the tragic story of Eric LeGrand at this point.

And we also know what an inspiration the 23-year-old has become.

The former Rutgers University defensive tackle became the first player in the program's 144-year history to have his jersey retired on Saturday at High Point Solutions Stadium.

The Avenel, N.J. native spoke with WFAN host Craig Carton on Tuesday to reflect on the touching moment, and to offer perspective on what it means to truly appreciate every day of your life.

"I wake up every morning knowing that I'm truly blessed," LeGrand told Carton. "Each day I go to therapy, I'm reminded that people aren't always as fortunate as other people. And I can honestly say that I'm very fortunate to go through this situation the way I am, and the people who I am surrounded by every day. And I have no complaints about anything. I am truly blessed. I have a support system that is unbelievable."

LeGrand was paralyzed in a game against Army in 2010. He has since regained movement in his shoulders, and doesn't want anybody feeling sorry for his predicament.

"I've got the whole world behind my back," LeGrand said on WFAN. "How can I get mad every day when I wake up? I just know that I'm here to help so many other people out, and so many people look up to me. I take this on as a responsibility, in order for me to get better and help so many people out there, because this is what I truly believe I'm here to do."

LeGrand reiterated the fact that he will, one day, walk again.

"I 100 percent believe I will walk again in my lifetime," LeGrand told Carton. "I'm here to help so many other people, and I believe that I'm going to get a bunch of other people walking just like I am, and be able to live their dreams."

To support LeGrand's foundation, go to http://www.teamlegrand.org.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories