Eric LeGrand – Rutgers
Eric LeGrand never got the opportunity to play for a professional team; instead he was a defensive tackle for the college football team, the Rutgers. The day was October 16, 2010 against the Army Black Knights when LeGrand collided with the ball carrier, Malcolm Brown. For many minutes, this collision left him motionless on the ground, without the ability to move his head. As he was being carried off the field, he attempted to flash a thumbs up to the crowd but was unsuccessful. Doctors determined that LeGrand had sustained a severe spinal cord injury and while they worked tirelessly, there was nothing they could do. LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down.
Eric LeGrand – Rutgers
Kevin Everett – Buffalo Bills
Former tight end Kevin Everett’s career with the Buffalo Bills was a young two seasons in when tragedy struck. Early in the season of 2007-2008, Everett suffered a spinal cord injury when bringing down Broncos kickoff returner Domenik Hixon. He sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine which doctors called “life-threatening.” The doctors also said that his injury would leave him with permanent neurological impairment, but just two days later, he gained some feeling and power back in his legs. Together with hard work and physiotherapy, Everett walked again in public for the first time at the Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the Giants – a mere three months after doctors said his chances of walking again were practically impossible.
Kevin Everett Buffalo Bills
