Believe: My Faith and the Tackle That Changed My Life

by Eric LeGrand, Mike Yorkey

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.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports, School, Christian, Football

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2012

Reviews

[Garrett Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response: Believe is an amazing book and is really inspirational. It taught me that even if I fall, I can get back up. I think that this book should get an award for being very inspirational.

Plot: Believe by Eric LeGrand is about his story and how he got paralyzed playing football for Rutgers. Eric was born in a little community called Avenel, New Jersey in 1990. When he got into school he wanted to play football. He was too big to play in Junior Pee Wee football, so they moved him up to play in Pee Wee football. He was a running back on offense and a linebacker on defense. He was the best running back anyone has seen. Eric also lead the team in tackles. When Eric got into high school, he was put on the junior varsity football team. He was really good, so the coaches put him on the varsity football team. He lead the team for tackles and was a pretty good running back at the varsity level.. His coach was so impressed, that he gave the coach for Rutgers University Eric’s football tapes that showed his tackles and his runs. The Rutgers coach was so impressed, that he offered Eric a scholarship to play football for Rutgers. Eric’s coach called Eric down to his office and told him that he was offered a scholarship to Rutgers. Eric was so happy, because Rutgers is his favorite college and he really wanted to go there. He accepted the scholarship offer. Eric would have to wait until he graduates, because he was only a freshmen. Those four years were long and painful for Eric, but he got through them. Eric He went to his first day of practice and the Rutgers coach asked if Eric would change from being a linebacker to being a defensive linemen, because the team did not have enough defensive linemen. He did not mind changing to defensive linemen, because he still got to tackle people. Eric was also on special teams. He liked being on kickoff, because he got to tackle someone. Eric was having a good career at Rutgers, until game against Purdue. Eric went to go tackle Malcom Brown, but he hit Brown with his head instead of his body. He couldn’t feel everything under his neck and he could not move. It turns out that he broke something in his neck and became paralyzed. Eric became really sad, because he could not play football. He would have to go to physical therapy to try to regain his ability to walk and use his hands again. In 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered Eric Legrand a contract as an undrafted free agent. Eric said he would accept the contract. He retired a couple months later, so that a roster spot would open up for someone. Eric is still trying to fight to use his legs and arms again.

Recommendation: I recommend this book to both males and females, ages 12 through 21, because that is usually the age where people are in sports. This book will teach them that if they get injured, they should not stop trying to heal so they can do what they love.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Believe made me feel like I wanted to reach out to Eric LeGrand because I felt extremely bad for what he had to go through when he got paralyzed. The title of the book that I read was Believe by Eric LeGrand and Mike Yorkey. The publisher of Believe is HarperCollins. The address that the book was published at was 10 East 53rd street in New York, NY. The month and the year that the book was published was October of 2012. The book Believe was inspirational due to his attitude and this is a book that everyone should read.
The book was basically about a male named Eric LeGrand who went to Rutgers University, and he played football. When one day Eric played on the football field in the New Meadowlands stadium against Army he got injured so badly that he got paralyzed. His mother really helped him out throughout this process. His mother helped him do things that people who are not paralyzed can do like get dressed, get out of bed, get in bed, and there is a lot more routine things that Eric used to be able to do when he was not paralyzed.
This book was inspirational because it makes some people feel bad about what Eric had to go through when he got paralyzed. The book Believe made you feel like you saw the injury in person. Another reason it was encouraging is that it made me want to go and ask questions about Eric and find out what it feels like to be paralyzed. An additional reason the book was moving was because Eric had a very upbeat attitude while he was paralyzed and he really thought he could someday walk. A quote of inspiration in Believe is “I didn’t want to hear about percentages because my son is not a percentage.”
Eric had a great attitude every day when he was paralyzed and he also said he is going to get back on the football field someday and play football again. Eric’s mom said this about people’s attitude that go to see Eric “Anybody who goes into that room to see Eric cannot bring negativity. It’s got to be all positive.” This quote is important because if you bring negativity when you go see him it can bring down his chances of getting out of a wheelchair and playing football again. Another reason why the quote is important is because it would bring down Eric’s attitude and make him feel upset.
Believe was a moving book greatly due to Eric’s attitude and I recommend that each person read this book. This book was motivating because it makes people feel bad for what Eric had to go through when he got paralyzed. Eric had a great approach every day when he was paralyzed and he said he is going to get back on the football field someday and play football again. This proves my thesis because of the attitude of Eric, the inspiration of him, and how he had a good attitude even though he got paralyzed. The story of believe deserved a five star rating out of five.

[John Meagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really puts things into perspective when you hear about everything he's been through and how positive he remains after it all. The burden of not being able to walk seems obvious, making it easy to forget all the other hardships that come along with paralysis. I'm a paraplegic and can definitely relate to feeling cold all the time, but then he's talking about an itch on his nose and not even being able to do anything about THAT. It seems trivial, up until you have to deal with it and the simple, little things start compiling into headaches. Even breathing independently was a battle he had to go through, although it was encouraging to hear about his win against the constant reliance on a ventilator. It's tough to see someone have to deal with so much, but inspiring to know he keeps on fighting.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough, emotional read--mostly because I followed Eric's story. As a football fan, I watched college football come to a stand still one October afternoon. Eric's tackle and apparent paralysis was all over every station--no matter what game you were watching. And because I followed his story, I know that he's a quadriplegic. I know that he can't walk. And yet reading, particularly with the positiveness and hope that oozes from each page, you think maybe...just MAYBE the story will have a different ending. It doesn't, but it still leaves you with the desire to believe.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, inspiring story and a must read for everyone!

[Michaela Ruffa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book, "Believe: My Faith and the Tackle That Changed My life" by Eric Legrand was an amazing, spectacular book to read. I loved how I got to read about his childhood, and his life when growing up. In the book, it gets to the point where Eric starts training to get back on his feet from his injuring when playing for the Raiders College football team. While reading I just loved how each time Eric would believe that he could do anything. This book was very surprising to read about someone's life, and what this person/ Eric has been through. While reading about Eric's life, it was always interesting to me. When Eric had his injury, each day he tried to get better and better and always thought possitive when going through this injury. It took a long time to get through and in the book it will tell you that Eric started to get trained to walk. This book is so amazing and I hope that if you find this book somewhere in a book store, you pick it up and read about this amazing man's life.

[Alana Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Believe" is a very good non-fiction book to read. The book talks about how one second Eric LeGrand's life is fine, but then one football play changed his life forever. He would never be able to walk again, but he never stopped believing which is how the title of the book was named. The main theme of the book is to never stop hoping and always believe. One moment that was powerful for me was near the end where he says a quote I love. He said, “You can’t go three weeks without food, you can’t go three days without water, you can’t go three minutes without oxygen, but you can’t go three seconds without hope” (Eric Legrand). This quote shows how you always have to hope. I would recommend this book to anyone that is having a hard time believing that they can do anything. It is a very moving book and I think all kids should read it.

[JohnC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe was a very good inspirational and motivational book in my opinion. I️ really enjoyed reading I️t and hear about the story of Eric Legrand. This book taught me that whatever happens, and to not give up on your dreams. One of my favorite parts in the book was when Eric was explaining what was going to through his mind when he got injured. This part touch me a lot because I️ realized that whatever I️ have a problem with someone has I️t worse than me. I️t taught me to be thankful for what I️ have. If anyone is looking for an really well written inspired story this is the book for you. I️ rate this book 5 stars

[Jacob Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book because it is about a sport that i love and it shows me how to there are a lot more adversities that people have to deal with then just the little things in my life.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recovery book

[Erin Mossberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is good book.

This book very inspiring and captivating. I really like this book. I hope you do to. 🙂🙂🙂 You should buy.

[Zandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became aware of Eric LeGrand while watching Anderson Cooper’s talk show one afternoon. What struck my right away when I saw him was his smile. Eric LeGrand has the most amazing, infectious smile you will ever see. His smile is all the more awesome when you learn about his story and the struggles he faces daily. In 2010, when Eric was a defensive lineman for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team, he suffered a devastating injury in a game against the Army Black Knights. In an instant, one hit was all it took to leave him paralyzed from the neck down. His book, Believe, gives readers a glimpse into his life both before and after he became injured. The opening chapter will draw you in as he details what life is like as a quadriplegic. Can you imagine not being able to satisfy an itch or constantly feeling cold because your body can’t regulate your temperature? Eric candidly talks about all aspects of his life and, in the process, you are left in awe of him and his ability to steadfastly remain positive through it all. I will admit to crying more than once as I read about the tremendous outpouring of love and support Eric has received from, not only Rutgers University and his hometown, but from around the country. I was also touch by the love, care and concern demonstrated by Coach Greg Schiano who continues to stand beside Eric and his family. Eric gives glowing testimony to how much his mother means to him and all the sacrifices she has lovingly made for him. From running down the sidelines as he played peewee football to being his biggest cheerleader when he donned his Scarlet Knights uniform, she has been with him every step of the way.
Above all else, Believe is an inspirational book about the power of belief and faith. After reading it, you can’t help but to start to always look for the positive side of things. When Eric talks at school assemblies and events, he always likes to remind everyone not to take today for granted. He is certainly an example of someone who is happy for what he has and, in turn, inspires us all to be the same way. You will BELIEVE, as I do, that Eric LeGrand will walk again someday. He believes it will happen and he has proven to me through his book that belief, faith and determination are all you really need.

[Saul Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This book is about Eric LeGrand, who was a college player on the Rutgers University football team. So far in the book, about Eric's childhood and high school life. I just got started onto his college life and the game he got paralyzed in while making a big tackle against his opponent. I love this book, because the author LeGrand uses a wide variety of vocabulary. This book is challenging at times, making me actually learn some new words. LeGrand is very, very, positive when he talks about all the challenges that hes faced or he's currently facing. The title of the book Believe, fits everything in the book perfectly. He believes one day he will prove his doctors wrong and do something a paralyzed person has never been able to do again, and that is WALK. He's already walking on a treadmill with help, which a lot of medical experts including doctors around the world thought he'd never be able to do. He's also breathing on his own, something he did in months, which doctors thought he'd have to be connected to a breathing machine. Reading this book makes you BELIEVE in all your dreams. One quote that can sum up this book is, "IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, YOU CAN ACHIEVE."

10/17/12

I just finished this book and this book is the most amazing book I have ever read!! I loved this book. Eric LeGrand gave me the chills while I was reading the book. He is so determined and dedicated into all of his rehab while maintaining a positive attitude during everything! He doesn't ever talk about this injury in a negative way, instead he looks at it as everything happens for a reason, and God will decide his life and faith. He has muscle movement and electrical signals from some of his muscles in his lower body which has never ever been known to happen to somebody with this extreme of an injury. He will walk on his own under his own STRENGTH AND BELIEF. I BELIEVE that. My favorite quote of this book is when ESPN was interviewing his family his sister had said this, "The word believe isn't a word around here, its a state of mind."
That gave me the chills, I have never gotten the chills when reading a book either. This book had given me a great look on life. And I BELIEVE NOW that anything is possible. IF you believe your dreams will come true!

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The as-told-to story of the paralyzed Rutgers football player who is working fiercely to walk again and representing the cause of the paraplegic and the quadriplegics of the world. I read this book for my Parent/Teen book club at work, and I actually liked it a lot better than I expected. You would have to made of stone not to admire Eric LeGrand's positive attitude and his determination to recover!

My biggest problems with the book were 1) It's so heavily ghosted that you can hardly hear his own voice in it at all except in the religious part where he talks about his faith that he will walk again and his belief that "God has a plan." (That's the best part because it does sound like him and it's so sincere.)

2) He talks a lot about how his injury is a freak accident and football players shouldn't be scared of it happening to them and how his old coach (now with the Buccaneers) is working to make the sport safer. But he never addresses the fact that there are increasing concerns in the medical community about the frightening effects of contact sports of football, hockey, rugby and soccer even on the junior varsity and varsity level! There was a long series of articles in the NY Times about this issue last year in connection with the suicide of Derek Boogaard, a well known hockey "enforcer" whose brain showed evidence of dramatic changes related to concussion in his autopsy. To discuss traumatic injuries in contact sports without addressing the issue of concussion is, in my opinion, a tremendous disservice to the public. The lionizing of this unfortunate young man, despite his real bravery, glorifies dangerous contact sports and encourages kids to keep on risking their brains for no very good purpose.

The person whose story I would like to hear is LeGrand's mother. She is now dedicated to caring for him 24/7 as a fulltime job. The heartbreak and the grinding pressure of her position can hardly be imagined.

[Daniel Aguiar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Aguiar Gutierrez

Mrs. Merino-Ott

English 2-A

period 2

11/14/14

BOOK LOVE REVIEW


Author: Eric Legrand with Mikey Yorkey

Title: Believe
In Believe, by Eric LeGrand with the assistance of Mikey Yorkey, the the author’s message is that no matter what happens in life, you have to always fight back and just believe you can do it. The message is shown after his football career, because he has to struggle more than an average person due to his injury. After his career breaking injury, He has to deal with the trouble of paralysis shown by the way he describes the sensation of his body. For example, he says “ But I couldn’t move any of my fingers. It felt like there was a thousand pounds holding my thumb down.” as you could see he actually goes into detail and describes what it felt like to be paralysed. Through out the book he always has that positive energy that he doesn’t make it feel like it phases him. That’s what made him accomplish so much and what drove him to be a believer. He also said “but it’s an interesting debate, and both sides make valid points. We’ll just have to see how it plays out in the future. I’ll be watching closely-from my wheelchair and hopefully one day standing on the sidelines”. That shows how confident he is that he will walk one day and be back where he loved it the most. From being a football star to having a career ending injury, Eric LeGrand demonstrates that you just have to fight back and you just have to believe.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned much from Eric's story. It's the first time I read an account of something I witnessed and wondered about from his point of view. I relived the the thrill of the kick, the running down the field and the horror of realizing, as someone who has worked in a rehab facility, how extensive and severe his injury was the instant I saw the reaction of the medical personnel. I was on the side of the stadium close to the players' exit and desperately wanted to see him raise his thumb up. I have seen and talked to him since basking in his amazing smile. Reading his story answered questions, taught me about the daily ministrations of paralysis and inspired me. Seeing his latest video in which he voluntarily moved a finger on his right hand brought more joy having read what he experiences every day and the compromises he has had to make mentally and emotionally to be where he is now. I can't wait to buy a ticket to MetLife Stadium to witness his return where he promises to walk to the spot where he fell, lay there staring at the sky and breathing, and then standing up and trotting back to the bench. That will be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, too!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book. Although, I am extremely biased since Eric is from New Jersey and played for Rutgers. The locations mentioned in his book are all to familiar to me. Eric is an exceptional young man with an incredibly positive attitude despite the traumatic events that occured on the football field. Not only does he always smile but praises his mother for her dedication to him. Seriously, he is the type of gentleman every parent wishes their children turn into. I look forward to the day he walks on the football field once more. He is amazing and has been such an inspiration. Always BELIEVE!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand was paralyzed when tackling during a game.

At first I thought the writing was amateur-ish, but then I remembered that he was a college student and is now just 22 years old. So the writing is perfect, real and honest. LeGrand is forthcoming about his daily struggles as a quadriplegic, even writing about his bathroom habits, which may be TMI but obviously something he has to deal with and which some may be curious about.

Like the title says, the tackle changed his life. His faith helped him through it and sustains him daily. Very sad story, but his courage and upbeat determination are inspiring. I enjoyed it.

[Janine H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Rutgers graduate and have followed Eric's progress ever since his accident. I absolutely loved this book. I loved reading about Eric's childhood and his amazingly supportive family. Eric is a true inspiration. I admire his strength, faith, and positive attitude. Any time I see him on TV, he always has a smile on face. I know that he has a bright future ahead of him. I look forward to reading more about his progress and I will always BELIEVE that he will walk again one day. Eric must get his strength from his mother. She is an amazing woman and a pillar of strength and hope.

[Lucilletln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually do NOT comment on books....but this one REALLY is special....Eric is a hometown hero here in Woodbridge Township, NJ & of course a Rutgers man as well....but none of that matters...what matters is that this young man is an inspiration to EVERYONE... in the book, Eric is open about EVERYTHING ...so truthful, so inspiring and so UPLIFTING.....& because of him we all DO bELieve he WILL walk again....please read this book...you will be very glad you did. Excellent book ..very deserving of the 5 star rating it has here on Goodreads.

[hmjg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know that I've ever read a more motivating or inspiring book. Eric LeGrand's strength, faith, & positivity are indescribable, & his mother is just as amazing. Both of them possess and display a strength I can only hope to one day come close to. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to any and every one, but especially to anyone facing an unexpected struggle or challenge in your life. I wish nothing but good things for Eric in the future, and pray for his continued recovery.

[Heather G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know that I've ever read a more motivating or inspiring book. Eric LeGrand's strength, faith, & positivity are indescribable, & his mother is just as amazing. Both of them possess and display a strength I can only hope to one day come close to. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to any and every one, but especially to anyone facing an unexpected struggle or challenge in your life. I wish nothing but good things for Eric in the future, and pray for his continued recovery.

[Linda Russo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric is a remarkable young man.He has such a positive outlook on life. I would give this book an additional half star (if possible) for those who really enjoy and understand football, as the majority of this book deals with Eric's life before his accident. I found myself skipping over some of the football details, but it did not distract me from my appreciation of the story. I even checked out his website to see how he was progressing.

[Patricia Vandigriff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was inspired by Eric's perseverance to control his recovery on his own terms. This is the summer reading book for JTHS and I think it is one of the best selections made. This book is not just about football, but about determination, love, loyalty, and faith. I love memoirs and this is one is great because Eric is so young you will be following him for a long time as he continues to make his mark in the world.

[Shaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best written book in the world, but you have to admire Eric LeGrand's positivity and tenacity.

This didn't factor into my rating, but I have to say that Kirk Herbstreit's foreward is utter garbage. He could have taken the opportunity to focus on Eric but instead, he talks all about himself. Terrible.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric seems to have adjusted to his situation well, he does not dwell on the negative. I have to wonder if he did not have a depression, or at least a time of anger.
Easy to read, I think it will be popular with my athlete students, and will add it to my school library, in spite of the one swear word, it is a story young people need to hear. Maybe it will help them learn what a hero is.

[Kim Lanza · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Jersey girl and Rutgers grad, I knew Eric LeGrand's story. I was already inspired by his determination before I opened the front cover.

However, learning more about him deepened my respect for him. His story left me with renewed appreciation for the blessings in my life that I take for granted.

"Chop the moment....tak[e] life not day by day but one step at a time."

[Cameron Ridolfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric LeGrand is a great person, this book went in depth of his life. It's a great book, he being paralyzed only made his life a miracle. He went throw life with the message I'm blessed to be he way I am. He being a talented young star in football, being paralyzed is a challenge hard enough, he is the happiest person I will ever see.

[Kela · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring books I've ever read (and I read lots of books)! Eric LeGrand has a beautiful spirit. If you think you're having a bad day, read this book, thank God you're not Eric, then ask yourself how you can become more like him. I can't wait to pass this one on to my son.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to call this book inspirational, because that word seems too public, too outward. This is an honest, personal account of growing up into an elite athlete, and a moment that ended his career, could have ended his life, and should have ended his hope and determination but didn't.