LeGrand retires, says he is a 'Buc for life'

Published Jul. 26, 2012 12:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

Eric LeGrand signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in early May knowing he could never play a down. Instead, his presence on the roster the past three months has signified the power of the human spirit.

His upbeat presence around One Buc Place has underscored LeGrand’s determination to achieve a dream following the 2010 football injury that left the then-defensive tackle for Rutgers University paralyzed.

With that dream realized – thanks to new Bucs head coach Greg Schiano, the man who coached him at Rutgers – LeGrand officially announced his “retirement” Thursday on the eve of training camp.

“Making it to the NFL was my dream,” LeGrand said. “But now I want to see my team as strong as possible at the start of training camp. I'm a Buc for life."

LeGrand was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance earlier this month at the 2012 ESPYs, as well as Spike TV's 2012 Guysman of the Year Award.

He will be placed on the Bucs’ Reserve/Retired list – and no doubt continue to find ways to inspire his now-former teammates as they prepare for the 2012 season.