Patriots Fans Believe, Raise Funds For RU's LeGrand

Although the Patriots lost 3-0 to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Tuesday evening, that was hardly on the minds of the thousands of fans in attendance.

The Somerset Patriots held their annual Rutgers Night, but this year focused on helping former Scarlet Knight football player Eric LeGrand as he makes a recovery from a spinal cord injury last October.  Legrand was paralyzed below his shoulders from a hit on a kickoff against Army.

The Patriots hold Rutgers Night every year, but this year funds raised went to the Eric LeGrand Believe Fund. Public relations manager Patrick McVerry was very excited for the event, which he believes is a great cause for a great person.

“We’ve been doing Rutgers Night for the past five or six years,” McVerry said. “It is always a big night because we always have a lot of alum come out. I think with this tragic accident last year, we just look to give back to Eric and the Rutgers community.” 

The event took place prior to the first pitch as LeGrand was joined by family and friends on the field. When LeGrand was introduced, the crowd gave him a standing ovation, showing their appreciation for the battle he is enduring. 

After first pitches were thrown out, including one by his cousin and niece, LeGrand was escorted to the TD Bank suite where he was able to enjoy the best view of the game.

LeGrand, who has been very humble and positive through the entire ordeal, was his usual self on Tuesday night. Showing his big smile during the pregame ceremony, he was able to express his gratitude to the fans that came out to support the cause.

“It means a lot to me,” LeGrand said. “Having people reaching out to me to help the cause means the world to me. It’s hard to put it into words sometimes, but it’s truly a blessing, humbling and heart-warming to get this kind of support.”

Money was raised through a special $10 ticket that was donated to the Eric LeGrand Believe Fund. Money was also raised through a silent auction of Rutgers-related items in which 100 percent of the proceeds went to LeGrand’s fund.

McVerry believes that the fundraiser cannot raise everything LeGrand needs for medical bills and other things, but he does think that anything the team can raise for him is a step in the right direction.

“Eric will walk again and we are happy for that day to happen,” McVerry said. “Up until then, though, he will incur a lot of medical bills so we want to do our part with our fans and give them the opportunity to give.”

The Patriots have held events such as this in the past, but never one of this magnitude and national attention. McVerry understands the connection that the Rutgers community has with the Patriots community and that is why he believes that Rutgers Night is always a big hit at the stadium.

“We have a great fan base and anytime we can give back we want to do that,” McVerry said. “We’re in a great area because Somerset County is a great place to live. Many of our fans attended Rutgers or will attend Rutgers in the future, so we feel like it is our duty to give back to a community that gives us so much.”

LeGrand couldn’t have been happier during the game as he shows more progress as the days go on. His latest achievement came on Monday when he stood for nearly 45 minutes with the aid of a machine. With support that he received from the Patriots and their fans, it is more inspiration for him to keep fighting and believe that he will walk again one day.

“Everyone here tonight is my inspiration,” LeGrand said.  “All of these people are looking at me to get better and are giving me that push I need to stay positive. With all these people behind me, how can I give up?”