( CNN ) -- Even though it 's symbolic and `` there 's no money involved , '' Eric LeGrand told CNN over the weekend that he 's thrilled to be on the roster of an NFL team . The former Rutgers defensive tackle , who was partially paralyzed in 2010 when he injured his spinal cord during a game , was signed to the 90-man offseason roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week . `` This was a dream come true for me . I always wanted to go to the NFL -- that was my career goal in life , '' LeGrand told CNN 's Don Lemon on Sunday . `` Circumstances dictated it differently , but I can at least say I 'm there now . I 'm on a team . I 'm on a roster . '' The Bucs are coached by ex-Rutgers coach Greg Schian , who helped shepherd LeGrand through the dark days following his injury . `` He 's been there since day one making sure I had the best doctors , best surgeon , best hospital , best everything , '' LeGrand said . `` Everything around me was just so positive and there was no negativity around me . That 's what kept me going in the beginning -- that first month -- when I really did n't know what was going on , what was happening in my life . '' LeGrand , who collided with an Army kick returner while making a tackle on October 16 , 2010 , was initially paralyzed from the neck down . At the hospital , medical personnel told him he 'd be a quadriplegic and would need a respirator for the rest of his life . But LeGrand progressed , breathing on his own after five weeks . He operates a wheelchair , and he 's been able to stand upright with the help of a metal frame . With medical bills covered in part by donations to two foundations , including Rutgers ' Eric LeGrand Believe Fund , LeGrand says his ultimate goal is to walk again . `` Absolutely . No doubt , '' he said confidently when asked if he 'll reach that goal . `` I believe in myself and I believe in the man above , '' he said . `` I know everything in this world happens for a reason . '' He told Sports Illustrated in November that he wanted to return to the spot on the field where he was injured , lie down , get up and walk away . He 's already returned to the Rutgers field in his wheelchair twice : on October 29 , leading his team onto the gridiron , and on November 19 for Senior Day festivities before the Scarlet Knights ' win against Cincinnati . When Tampa signed LeGrand , they presented him with a helmet and personalized Bucs jersey , adding some substance to his dream . `` It is pretty cool ... something you always dream about doing and I finally made it , '' he gushed . There are plans for him to visit the team during offseason training and also attend a few games in the fall . But there 's still the nagging question of what might have been . It 's one he does n't focus on . `` I would n't have been able to touch this many people if I was playing football , '' a bouyant LeGrand said . `` That 's why I know that there was something there for me to do in my life that can hopefully change the world . '' CNN 's Jason Hanna contributed to this report . Watch CNN Newsroom weekdays 9am to 3pm ET and weekends . For the latest from the CNN Newsroom click here .
Eric LeGrand injured his spinal cord while making a tackle in 2010 . The injury left him partially paralyzed . Tampa Bay signed him to the team 's offseason roster . He was waived on Aug. 31, and he never played for the Buccaneers again.