Rutgers to retire No. 52 of Eric LeGrand on Sept. 14 vs. E. Michigan

Eric LeGrand became a national phenomenon during his recover after being paralyzed while making a tackle in 2010.

Eric LeGrand was paralyzed while making a tackle during a game in 2010. (USATSI)

While Rutgers might have played the first college football game against Princeton -- or the College of New Jersey as it was known then -- in 1869, the school has yet to retire its first number. 

But that's about to change.

BREAKING NEWS: @KyleFloodRU announces @RFootball will retire its first jersey number as @EricLeGrand52 No. 52 will never be worn again

— Jason Baum (@JasonBaumRU) July 30, 2013

LeGrand, of course, is the former Rutgers defensive tackle who became paralyzed while making a tackle on a kick return in a game against Army on Oct. 16, 2010.

LeGrand's number will be retired during a ceremony at halftime of Rutgers' game against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 14. Rutgers also said that LeGrand's number will be issued on "special occasions" once LeGrand walks again.