Tampa, FL –  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Thursday the retirement of defensive tackle Eric LeGrand.

The inspirational LeGrand, signed by the Buccaneers on May 2, is a former Rutgers player who suffered a paralyzing injury in 2010. He played under new Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano.

"Making it to the NFL was my dream. But now I want to see my team as strong as possible at the start of training camp," LeGrand said in a release. "I'm a Buc for life."

LeGrand, who will be placed on the Buccaneers reserve/retired list, was honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs earlier this month.

The 21-year-old LeGrand was paralyzed making a tackle in a game against Army on October 16, 2010.