NEWARK, N.J. – Former Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Unsung Hero Award, the organization announced . The Scarlet Knight has become a national icon and inspirational figure in the time since he was paralyzed from the neck down in a 2011 game vs. Army in Giants Stadium, using his upbeat personality and constant smile to reach out to others.

LeGrand will be honored at the Fifth Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J.

LeGrand, the NJHOF’s fourth Unsung Hero honoree, was chosen due to his representation of courage, strength and character. LeGrand joins a distinguished list of past inductees, including Army Captain Brian Brennan, the late Detective Marc DiNardo, the late fire captain Jimmy D’heron, and the New Jersey victims and first responders from the World Trade Center tragedy.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame, a bi-partisan initiative established by unanimous vote in 2005, was created to honor those New Jerseyans who have made invaluable contributions to society and to provide positive role models in all fields of endeavor for young people.

More information about the NJHOF and induction ceremony can be found at the group’s website: www.NJHallofFame.org.