
Greg Schiano has been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach for just three months. And you are already seeing why Rutgers fans wish he stayed.
On October 16, 2010, Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was on the field for a kickoff return against Army. During the play, LeGrand suffered a serious neck injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. That was the last football play of his career. His coach at the time was Greg Schiano.
Coach Schiano and the Buccaneers signed paralyzed defensive tackle Eric LeGrand. It was a symbolic and generous gesture from Schiano to his former player. Signing LeGrand was yet another example that shows what kind of a man Schiano is.
In the past 12 months, we have seen plenty of bad news in football. There were NCAA violations at Ohio State. An alleged sex abuse scandal surfaced at Penn State. The NFL punished the New Orleans Saints for their bounty program. And today, former NFL great Junior Seau was found dead from a suspected suicide.
The NFL needed some good news. Coach Schiano provided some. He brought a little honor and integrity back into the league. He should be admired and respected for repeatedly supporting his former player. Even with his fresh start in Tampa Bay, Schiano did not forget LeGrand. He remains loyal to him. He continues to help LeGrand in his time of need.
Schiano’s simple gesture sends strong messages. To his players it says, “play for me and I’ll be there for you.” To everyone else it says, “remember the important things in life.” What you see is what you get with Schiano. And I have seen a lot of good.
I’ve already stated why I think Coach Schiano will be a great head coach for the Buccaneers. The season hasn’t even started and you are already seeing why. Even if Schiano never wins a Super Bowl, he will always be a winner in my eyes. He will continue to be a great example for his players. He will win the right way. Schiano is exactly what the NFL needs right now.