John O'Boyle/The Star-Ledger
Eric LeGrand was signed today by Greg Schiano and the Buccaneers.
Eric LeGrand is taking his inspirational story to the next level -- the NFL.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and coach Greg Schiano -- LeGrand's coach at Rutgers -- announced today that they have signed LeGrand as a free agent. Details of how the Avenel native and Colonia High product will be involved with the NFL team have not been determined yet, since the signing is symbolic and involves no money, LeGrand said.

"I had no idea, no idea this was going to happen," LeGrand said. "Honestly, it's amazing. It is. It really is."

LeGrand said he found out about the move in a call with Schiano on Tuesday, after his mother, Karen, had been told Monday night.

LeGrand has the final spot on the Bucs' roster and, since his college No. 52 is available will get that with the NFL team. Tampa Bay is planning to ship a jersey, helmet and contract to LeGrand later this week.

“Leading up to the draft, I couldn’t help but think that this should’ve been Eric’s draft class,” Schiano said in a statement released today by Rutgers and the Buccaneers. “This small gesture is the least we could do to recognize his character, spirit, and perseverance. The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men.”

Schiano and LeGrand have been almost inseparable since the Knights' former defensive tackle suffered fractures of two vertebrae and a serious spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed during a game against Army on Oct. 16, 2010.

Initially told he would likely spend his life as a quadriplegic and on a ventilator, LeGrand's perseverance -- and unyielding optimism and ever-present smile -- became a national inspiration. Within five weeks of the injury he resumed breathing on his own and then was able to stand upright with the help of a metal frame.

He said today that he is "up to 15 minutes sitting by myself, which is a miracle because I'm not supposed to be doing any of this kind of stuff."

That courage and determination landed LeGrand on cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2011 year-end issue, and his story was voted the magazine’s Moment of the Year. LeGrand also received the Most Courageous Athlete Award from the New Jersey Sports Writers Association and will be presented with he Unsung Hero Award at the New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 9 for his representation of "courage, strength and character."

Though still confined to a wheelchair LeGrand returned to the football field a little more than a year after his injury -- Oct. 29 of last year -- to lead Rutgers and Schiano out onto the field at High Points Solution Stadium.

LeGrand later joined his football classmates on the field for Senior Day ceremonies prior to the game against Cincinnati on November 19.

Prior to his injury, LeGrand played in 31 games, recording 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries.

He said that the gesture by Schiano to sign him made his NFL dream come true.

"Tuesday he called me around 1 o'clock and presented me with the whole thing," said LeGrand. " I said `are you serious? You really want to use this (the final roster spot) on me?' He said it's the least we can do. I was like `I don't even know what to say to you right now, coach. This is amazing. Thank you.'

"It's something I always dreamed about. I always wanted to go to the NFL and retire and become a sportscaster. Dreams do come true if you really believe."

Able to resume his studies via video conference calls, LeGrand expects to graduate next fall with a degree in labor studies. He has since served on Rutgers' radio football broadcasts and is working on a book. IMG has signed him to help LeGrand with his broadcasting career.

Maybe I'm a cynic, but this would have been much more impressive is somebody other than Legrand's college coach did it. Or if Tampa spent a draft pick on the kid.