Eric LeGrand Inspires People With Strong Social Media Skills & A Positive Attitude

Paralyzed from the neck down on a kickoff during a Rutgers football game in October 2010, defensive tackle Eric LeGrand inspired fans across the country with his openness and his recovery. Now LeGrand is spearheading spinal cord research and sending out positive messages via social media.

LeGrand has nearly 60,000 Twitter followers, he now has the blue verified check, and is raising money by selling t-shirts. Through his charitable works and helping people who were in his position to overcome adversity, LeGrand is “trying to make an impact in this world.”

Nike is making a LeGrand jersey to raise money for charity. There will be a 5K walk to benefit spinal cord research. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie believes in LeGrand.

“I’m posting things every single day,” LeGrand told Mashable in an interview. “I just want to motivate people not to take everything for granted and to be the best people they can be.”

LeGrand has 47,000 followers on Facebook with “Believe” in big words at the top of the page which chronicles his recovery, which is improving every day. “I’m still the same person I always was, but now it’s kind of taken off and if I can inspire youth by just being the person I am and being happy, then that’s great,” he told Mashable.

His coach at Rutgers, Greg Schiano, now coaches the Tampa Bay Bucs. Schiano signed LeGrand to a contract after the draft in a wonderful gesture and the above photo got over 26,000 likes. Hopefully LeGrand’s positive influence can help change lives as he inspires people via social media.