Eric LeGrand’s Jersey Will Be No. 52
May 2nd, 2012
When the Bucs signed the defensive lineman from Rutgers, Eric LeGrand, to a contract today, it brought about more love for the team, both locally and nationally, then Joe has seen since Chucky hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy aloft in victory.
As Joe wrote about earlier, LeGrand’s story is inspirational if not a heart-tugger.
Though LeGrand will not take up a roster spot, he is essentially a member of the Bucs family. Joe also learned his number will be No. 52, the same number he wore for the Scarlet Knights.
Not coincidently, this news was released on May 2. You know, 5/2?
Now Joe has been bombed with questions about buying his jersey. Of course, one could customize a jersey with LeGrand’s name and number. But for the NFL to sell a jersey of a guy who is not on an active roster, they gets a little dicey as far as all sorts of agreements and legalities between the NFL, the NFLPA and NIKE. So Joe isn’t sure if one can ever purchased an official NFL LeGrand jersey.
(For example, in baseball, you cannot order an Albert Pujols Cardinals customized jersey because, of course, Pujols is with another team.)
Joe has communicated with someone within the walls of One Buc Palace and team officials are overwhelmed with the positive response from fans querying about buying a LeGrand jersey.
Joe has a hunch if the Bucs can sell a LeGrand jersey, the team will, and don’t be surprised if proceeds go towards some group of LeGrand’s choice.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Love the story. It was such a great start to my morning reading about LeGrand, and overall a great story for the Bucs and the league. A shame the bounty punishment had to remind football fans of the dirty acts of the Saints, and now I’m reading about Junior Seau dead of apparent suicide. What a day.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:04 pm
If they make arrangements for proceeds to go to a charity, I would be surprised if the NFL, NFLPA or Nike would prevent this from going thru. It’s a good PR move for all parties involved.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:18 pm
gby Eric….. RIP Junior Seau WTF …..
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:19 pm
You can go to the NFL shop and order a customized jersey with LeGrand and #52.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:33 pm
I’ll get a custom one if I have to, but it would be so much better of they were available at the store. Either way, I really hope that this kid never has to worry about making ends meet, and if he can be truly prosperous so much the better. If he’s the shining example of the new Buccaneer Way, that has legitimate value. I hope LeGrand has a long, successful, and prosperous career as a Buccaneer. Welcome to Tampa Bay, #52!
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:39 pm
I’m guessing this was Schiano’s idea. What is truly impressive isn’t the PR move by the management, but that Schiano really seems to care about his players. Wow! Love it.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:40 pm
This really shows what kind of coach we got in Schiano.
I’m a very proud Bucs fan today.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:47 pm
What an amazing day to be a bucs fan on one hand we have a division rival again in the news because of targeting injured players and bounties put on them and the other hand we have the bucs acting like the organization we always knew they would become. They (espn) are already calling this the best offseason signing. I agree go bucs and coach schiano.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Lets try and get past the PR move. Schiano obviously wanted him in as a motivational tool and to honor what kind of guy LeGrand (i love the name) is. Adding a little perspective. The Bucs had no reason to do this because no one knew who LeGrand was before.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:53 pm
If the NFL really wants to make a statement about how they feel about player safety this would show the world they are really serious. Let the Buccaneers sell this jersey.
May 2nd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I sent an email to the bucs this morning asking about a jersey and proceeds being donated. I would say even if they aren’t able to do it we can find a way to do our own tribute!
I’m already thinking about the first pre-season or home opener making a boat load of shirts to disperse if the team doesn’t.
Bucoholic
May 2nd, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Whether they win a game, coach of the year in my book.
May 2nd, 2012 at 4:11 pm
A fund named “BELieve” has been set up by the Rutgers Scarlet Knight family with proceeds going to Eric LeGrand and his family. The “BELieve” foundation has raised proceeds through selling sporting apparel stitched with LeGrand’s name and number (52) as well as hosting numerous sporting events in LeGrand’s honor.
May 2nd, 2012 at 5:19 pm
I say sell his jersey and send all of the profits to Eric Legrand to cover his medical costs. If there is any left over put it towards research on cures for paralysis.
May 2nd, 2012 at 5:50 pm
with all the bad news the NFL has been going through (thanks to the Saint) its wonderful to see a touching story like this unfold and for it to unfold for my favorite team makes me smile from ear to ear, living in St. Louis ive been spreading the news to all my friends that havent heard and they say what a great story!! mind you the Bucs are NOT well received in the Lou!!!!! BUC IT IM OUT!!!!
May 2nd, 2012 at 5:59 pm
oh one other thing, Hey New Orleans, this is what a GREAT coaching staff and organization does, they put the respect of the game and player before a lousy bounty to injure a player. Tampa has shown more class today than the Saints ever have!!!!!!! love my Bucs!!! BUC IT IM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 2nd, 2012 at 6:03 pm
st. louis Bucs fan
Yeah but the Saints would sacrifice chickens for him.
JOE, I got spammed. Could you did this it out of there?
May 2nd, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@DUTCHER JOURNAL
LOL, well played!!!
May 2nd, 2012 at 7:13 pm
I had not planned on buying a jersey this year but if the funds go to our new Buc I’ll buy one yesterday.
May 2nd, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Class and Character being displayed and shown to the team as an example.
Love it.
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
A class move. And heartfelt, by our new coach!
I hope this guy brings the same class and decency to this team.
It’s needed it for a while
May 2nd, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Schiano is really a class act. I am proud to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan.
May 2nd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Is this the real reason we released Jeff Faine? Not really but still a nice coincidence.
May 6th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
What a class act!!! Could not be happier!