A former Rutgers University football player who was paralyzed from injuries he sustained during a game is selling shirts to help raise money to find a cure for spinal paralysis.

Eric LeGrand is selling the shirts in commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which takes place in October. The shirts say, “Roll Model” with LeGrand’s No. 52. The “O” in “Roll” is designed to look like a person in a wheelchair.

“I designed these … and a part of the proceeds are going back to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation to find a cure for paralysis. I wanted to make it a cause, you know? Like a call to action,” LeGrand says.

LeGrand says that the idea was born over the summer. He says that the response has been overwhelming – selling 1,500 shirts and raising more than $30,000 for spinal cord research. He says that he plans to release more styles for the shirts in November.

“So many people have grasped on to it. Rutgers just bought them for the entire athletic department. Minnesota football, who we played this past weekend, they were out here wearing them because I have some ties to them. So, it’s been truly incredible to see,” says LeGrand.

LeGrand became paralyzed nine years ago this month. He says being able to raise money and inspire others continues to be a blessing.

“I want to leave a legacy, like, you look back at someone and, ‘Wow, that kid fought all odds against him but he fought. He was determined and he knew what he wanted and he had his goal in mind that he wasn't going to stop until he got there.’ So, that's the legacy I want to leave in this world,” he says.

LeGrand's "Roll Model" fundraiser goes through the end of the month. The shirts can be purchased through his website EricLeGrand52.com.