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15 college football players whose careers ended too soon

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Clint Trickett (9) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Clint Trickett (9) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; Eric LeGrand with officials before the game between the D.C. United and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. New York Red Bulls defeat D.C. United 2-0. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; Eric LeGrand with officials before the game between the D.C. United and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. New York Red Bulls defeat D.C. United 2-0. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Entering college as a true freshman can be difficult for anyone, but Eric LeGrand made the transition look seamless. Playing for Greg Schiano in 2008, the Rutgers’ freshman was making a name for himself on special teams and the head coach believed he deserved some major snaps on the defensive line as a sophomore.

When 2009 rolled around, he became one of the better backup defensive linemen in the Big Ten and a future star at tackle. He racked up 33 total tackles, 7.5 for loss and two sacks. He began his junior season as a potential All-Big East performer.

LeGrand recorded 13 tackles, two for loss and 0.5 sacks in his first six games before his career would come to a crashing halt. He injured his neck on a collision with Army return man Malcom Brown. It was a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed.

While he was never able to play football again, he has been one of the more outspoken former athletes who had their careers ended early due to injuries.

Related Story: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

Heck, LeGrand has even been a spokesperson for Subway. He is beloved by all college fans and his No. 52 jersey is the only one that Rutgers had ever retired.

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