Believe: My Faith and the Tackle That Changed My Life [Hardcover]

Eric LeGrand (Author), Mike Yorkey (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 25, 2012

Believe is the profoundly moving story of Eric LeGrand, the former defensive tackle for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury and was left paralyzed by a crushing on-field tackle during a heated game with Army. A remarkable true account of a courageous young athlete whose unshakable faith, spirit, positive outlook, and rousing motto, “BELIEVE!” would serve as inspiration to legions of fans—and as motivation in his own quest to walk again—Eric’s story has received national attention, heavily covered by ESPN and Sports Illustrated. It will lift the hearts of every reader, not least of all those who were affected by quarterback Tim Tebow’s bestselling memoir, Through My Eyes.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The powerful story that has captivated the sports world and inspired many to believe in miracles

On October 16, 2010, Eric LeGrand's life drastically changed course in a single moment. Eric was known for his skill as a key Rutgers defensive lineman and as a much-loved teammate who could make anyone smile.

During the heated fourth quarter of a tie game against Army, a crushing tackle left Eric sprawled motionless on the ground while the entire stadium went silent with fear and anticipation. Doctors later discovered that Eric's body was paralyzed from the neck down, marking the beginning of a long, grueling, and emotional road to recovery.

What Eric didn't know then, however, was that the months to come would be a remarkable, transformative journey—one so profound that he would call the time since his accident the best years of his life.

In this moving memoir, Eric tells the uplifting story of how he is rebuilding his future in the face of hardship. Doctors said that he would never again breathe without a ventilator. Five weeks later, though, he astonished them by drawing breath on his own. He thrilled fans only months later by posting a picture of himself online standing with support during a rehabilitation session. A year after the accident, the nation watched as he led his Rutgers teammates onto the field in his wheelchair—a powerful gesture that was voted best sports moment of 2011 by Sports Illustrated readers.

Now, Eric is on his way to graduating from Rutgers University, has a budding career as a sports broadcaster, and uses his experience to spread a message of belief and positivity. He also joined the roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May 2012 in a symbolic move that recognized his "character, spirit, and perseverance," said Bucs head coach Greg Schiano.

Though Eric relies on his family, friends, and faith, his belief and hope for a better future make him a role model for anyone who has experienced tragedy or faced daunting obstacles. Believe is a story of finding purpose in pain and facing setbacks with strength.

About the Author

Eric LeGrand is a student at Rutgers University and a former defensive lineman and special teams player for the Scarlet Knights. His injury and rehabilitation have been covered by such media outlets as Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, ESPN, CBS, and NBC. In May of 2012, Eric was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and in July of 2012 he received the Jimmy V Perseverance Award during ESPN's annual ESPY awards show.

Mike Yorkey is a veteran writer with more than seventy books under his belt, including the Playing with Purpose and Every Man's Battle series.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (September 25, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062226290
• ISBN-13: 978-0062226297
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Football (American)

More About the Author

Eric LeGrand is a student at Rutgers University and a former defensive tackle for the Scarlet Knights. He is an analyst for Rutgers Football Radio Network and has appeared as a guest commentator on CBS College Football Today and SportsNet New York. He lives in New Jersey.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational October 16, 2012

By Cathy L. Mchugh

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just finished reading Believe, the book written by RU football player Eric LeGrand. Eric's spirit shines through this story. He is an incredible young man who is an inspiration tons many. Instead of self-pity, Eric is positive and up-beat and after reading this book, I too, Believe that he will some day walk again.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Suicide survivor of 18yo linbacker son SAM",youthgroup supervisor FPC Sterling Colorado October 5, 2012

By Gwen Eichhorn

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have gifted BELIEVE three times.
Once to a youthgroup kid who has a football injury and lost football scholarship abilities
Once to a youthgroup kid who is the son of the Sterling Middle School Principle
And once to "Daniel", "SAM"S best friend and team mate. Sam died by suicide at the tender age of 18.Daniel and Sam were team mates on the Sterling Tigers football team. Sam was a linebacker,#54,and an all-american kid. Sam lost his life when he could no longer fight the demons of his mental illness ,bipolar disorder.Sam's 15yo old sister Faith is the youth elder at FPC in Sterling. Yesterday she headed to school in Sams favorite tennis shoes and a "Tebow in the City "teeshirt. She wears a size 12 shoe,fighting body image issues and trying to embrace her "Missy Franklin " size!
Kuddos to Timmy Tebow and Eric and Missy Frankin
Well done good and faithful servants! You guys rocked it!

Gwen Eichhorn
1-970-522-0328
suicide survivor
FPC youth gruop supervisor
living with and managing my own mental illness ,bipolar disorder

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Believe December 1, 2012

By laura cresthull

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I actually purchased this book for my 15 year old son. He was on the freshman high school football team this year and asked if I would get this for him. My son has finished the book and loved it. He would discuss certain parts of the book with me. He thinks of Eric Legrand as a true inspiration and hero. He believes that Eric will walk again one day. My son also tweeted Eric Legrand recently and was beyond thrilled when he tweeted him back. I am a 41 year old mother and now I am going to read it also.