TRENTON — On one of the busiest days of the year at the Statehouse today, Gov. Chris Christie took a break to welcome Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player who is recovering from a spinal cord injury. The governor said he and his family were at the Oct. 16, 2010 game against Army when LeGrand, a defensive lineman, injured...
Clik here to view.
Rutgers injured player Eric LeGrand talks with former teammate Jamaal Westerman (right) on the sidelines before the Rutgers spring football game in Piscataway in April. He visited Governor Christie today at the Statehouse.TRENTON — On one of the busiest days of the year at the Statehouse today, Gov. Chris Christie took a break to welcome Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player who is recovering from a spinal cord injury.
The governor said he and his family were at the Oct. 16, 2010 game against Army when LeGrand, a defensive lineman, injured his spinal cord.
Ever since, "the Christie family has been praying for him.''
LeGrand was initially paralyzed from the neck down but continues to regain sensation throughout his body, including his chest, biceps and fingertips.
"He has been an extraordinary inspiration to people all across New Jersey, not just because of how much he has recovered, but also because of his attitude. He is extraordinarily positive about the challenges that are ahead of him,'' the governor said. "I am proud to be the governor of a state that has produced a young man like this.''
LeGrand, a Colonia High School graduate, was accompanied by his mother, Karen, his sister, Nicole LeGrand, his aunt and uncle, Cheryl and Ariel Curet, and Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti.
LeGrand and his family were expected to visit the Assembly chamber before it votes on a controversial pension and health benefits bill that drew some 8,500 union protesters to Trenton.
Related Coverage:
• Politi: Inspired by Eric LeGrand's injury, Greg Schiano hopes to change kickoffs
• Eric LeGrand takes in Rutgers pro day as just one of the guys
• Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand vows to walk again during ESPN interview
