Rutgers Player Eric LeGrand Paralyzed and Other Inspirational Athletes (PHOTOS)

Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed below the neck, following a collision with an Army player during Saturday night's game. LeGrand, a junior from New Jersey, underwent emergency surgery and was in intensive care after the top of his helmet slammed into the other player’s left shoulder. We see this all the time in football games and hate when it happens--especially when a young person’s promising career is cut short after an accident.

Following the accident the Rutgers coach said, 'Eric’s spirits were as good as you can expect. He’s a fighter.” That is great to hear as Eric’s story is both inspirational and tragic; he will survive an incredibly serious injury and continue to live a great life.

We always remember those moments in sports when you see the unexpected, like Detroit Lions offensive lineman Mike Utley giving the thumbs up after he suffered a career-ending injury. These inspirational moments are common in sports; they remind us that the game is real and it hurts.