Class Act: Buccaneers Sign Former Rutgers Defensive Tackle Eric LeGrand

Even the most cold-hearted cynic, a club of which I am certainly a member, can't help but have their heart warmed by the latest chapter of the Eric LeGrand story. 

LeGrand was the Rutgers defensive tackle who was paralyzed from the neck down in October 2010 when he suffered a neck injury while making a tackle against Army.

Since that horrific day, however, he's served as nothing short of an inspiration.

After being told by doctors that he would be a quadriplegic for the rest of his life and that he would have to remain on a ventilator, LeGrand began breathing on his own. Then, he began feeling sensation throughout his body, to the point where he could finally stand, albeit briefly. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, who was LeGrand's coach at Rutgers, clearly thinks much of the young man. Earlier today, in a move filled with not only emotion but respect and pride, the Buccaneers added LeGrand to their 90-man roster. 

Said Schiano in a statement: 

"

Leading up to the draft, I couldn't help but think that this should've been Eric's draft class. 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.

"

There is often a complaint from fans, and readers in general, that the media does not do enough to highlight the positive storylines in football, and indeed in all of sports, that occur off the field nearly every day.

This seems a good time to try to swim against that tide.