Thursday night, HBO hosted a premiere party in Miami Beach for their show Ballers. Dwayne Johnson, better known as the Rock, is the star of the show. Eric LeGrand, favorite son of Rutgers, was there and had a chance to meet the Rock.
Great to finally meet you @TheRock. Always giving motivation to be a better person. pic.twitter.com/l9oTMR9Sc7
— Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) July 14, 2016
It was only 4 years ago that LeGrand received the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2012 ESPY’s. Of course, Rutgers fans have been inspired by LeGrand since his accident occured the fall of 2010. He is a positive example in the face of adversity that we can all learn from.
LeGrand has done amazing work for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, starting Team LeGrand in an effort to raise money in the search of a cure for paralysis. He hosted the Walk To Believe last month, which raised $82,000 last year and approached that this year.
Thank you everybody who weathered the storm and came out to my 6th Annual @awalktobelieve it was amazing #bELieve52 pic.twitter.com/bDO6mpQNMw
— Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) June 5, 2016
We are here to support @EricLeGrand52 6th annual @AWalkToBelieve. pic.twitter.com/IGYz5BzDII
— Chris Ash (@CoachChrisAsh) June 5, 2016
The Rock has actually tweeted before about the inspiration that LeGrand has become for himself and others. So Thursday night appeared to be a special moment for the Rock as well.
Great to finally meet this amazingly inspiring young man @EricLeGrand52 Keep doin' it strong brother. https://t.co/xQfsiHa3HK
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 16, 2016
What a thrill for LeGrand, who continues working hard in his quest to walk again. He remains an inspiration to us all. His #52 remains as the only number retired by Rutgers Football.
This is the second time in a month the Rock has interacted with Rutgers football, after he responded to assistant coach Aaron Henry’s tweet when he took the defensive backs to the movie premiere of Central Intelligence. The movie stars Kevin Hart, who also tweeted about the trip, and the Rock.
Offense wins games. Defense wins championships. CB's!! Enjoy the movie! #CentralIntelligence https://t.co/OibYEqeJK9
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 25, 2016
The players and coach Henry were excited that both movie stars acknowledged their movie night, which we covered here.
LeGrand is set to return to the radio booth this coming football season, continuing to provide commentary during home games with play by play man Chris Carlin, who our own Dave White spoke with earlier this summer. He also provides pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage in the studio for road games. It will be LeGrand’s sixth season doing game broadcasts, run by the Rutgers IMG Sports Network. Only 7 Saturdays until the start of the 2016 Rutgers football season, when the team takes on Washington on the road at 2 p.m. est on September 3rd.