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President Obama tells Eric LeGrand to keep inspiring at Rutgers graduation

President Obama met Eric LeGrand for the first time.
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President Obama delivered the commencement address for Rutgers University on Sunday afternoon and also had a chance to meet former Scarlett Knights football star Eric LeGrand for the first time, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

“[Obama] said, ‘I know exactly who you are and your story is very inspiring — you have inspired so many people that you will never know. Just keep up the good work,” LeGrand said. “I’m never at a loss for words, but I was at a loss for words there.”

LeGrand was paralyzed as he made a tackle during a Rutgers football game in October 2010. In addition to never being able to walk again, doctors told LeGrand that he would most likely need a ventilator to breathe for the rest of his life. He has since recovered to not need any ventilator and is capable of eating solid foods.

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He is a big supporter of spinal cord injury research and awareness.

LeGrand received a loud ovation from the crowd when he graduated from Rutgers two years ago.