Paralyzed Ex-CFB Player Collaborating with Alma Mater on New Bourbon

Eric LeGrand and his alma mater are teaming up for a new spirit. 

The former Rutgers football player, who was paralyzed during a game in 2010 but has gone on to become one of the school’s best-known representatives, and the school announced this week they are releasing Scarlet Knight, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. 

Aged five years and bottled at 92 proof, the spirit is only available for a limited time and is intended to promote the university at a time when athletics departments are looking for any and all ways to raise money to pay players in the new era of name, image, and likeness compensation. 

According to the makers, the new release has a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% barley “to capture the fighting spirit of Rutgers University.” 

It has notes of caramel, dark cherry, toasted oak, and a subtle rye spice on the nose, according to a news release announcing its release, and drinkers can expect flavors of fruit, vanilla, and a warm, lingering finish” suitable for sipping or mixing.

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with Rutgers University on this new bourbon series,” LeGrand said in a news release. “Since we entered our partnership with Rutgers Athletics in 2023, it opened many doors for the brand so this was a long time coming. 

“The university means so much to me and it’s been great seeing fellow Rutgers fans enjoying our bourbon on game days. Now, they can finally have a bourbon that bottles up their pride for the university and can be used to toast on many occasions.”

The LeGrand Story

LeGrand, who has regained some movement in his upper body and sensation according to a story from NorthJersey.com, went into the bourbon business two years ago when he teamed with Brian Axelrod to found Eric LeGrand Spirits. 

LeGrand’s inspirations at the time included proving even those living with paralysis can enjoy life’s finer pleasures, and his feeling that the process of producing a fine bourbon bears some resemblance to his long, difficult journey to recover from his injury. 

Where to Buy

LeGran Spirits can be found in stores in New Jersey, Kentucky, Massachusetts and New York and online at ericlegrandwhiskey.com. 

A 750ml bottle of the new release goes for a suggested retail price of $54.99.  

The company also offers a straight bourbon whiskey, Eric LeGrand Single Barrel 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and a single barrel version.