Eric LeGrand is adding a line beyond inspiration and Buccaneers defensive tackle to his resume.
LeGrand was signed by the Buccaneers following the draft, a touching move by coach Greg Schiano to recognize the progress that LeGrand has made since getting paralyzed while making a tackle during a Rutgers game in 2010. Schiano coached LeGrand at Rutgers, had him lead the team on the field for a game last season and hopes he can inspire the Bucs to strong results in his first season as their coach.
Subway is hoping that LeGrand proves to be an inspiration to hungry Americans as well. The Associated Press reports that LeGrand will join Giants defensive end Justin Tuck in commercials for the chain of restaurants that has long featured athletes from various sports in their advertising campaigns. The spots have been filmed already and will roll out this fall.
“Eric’s training is intense and his goal of walking again is clearly the most important goal,” Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. “We believe his inspirational story resonates with our fans. All of our athletes who know Eric are already rooting for him. Like us, they love his character, determination and positive outlook.”
While it is hard to see the correlation between LeGrand and a footlong B.M.T., we’re all in favor of anything that helps LeGrand’s message get out to a larger audience while also giving him a little extra cash to put toward any rehab that will help him realize his goal of walking again.