New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott trademarked the phrase “Can’t wait” earlier this year after he first said it in a playoff postgame interview, and he figured that if anyone was going to make money from the phrase it was going to be him. Of course that doesn’t count for my new line of “Can’t Wait” t-shirts that I made for armless restaurant employees. *rim shot* Thank you.
But instead of a simple line of New York Jets t-shirts, presumably modeled after Ed Hardy and Tapout for fan preference, made by Scott and for Scott’s wallet, he surprised everyone this week with an incredibly selfless and generous alternative. He’s donating all proceeds to former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed last year in game against Army in the Jets’ New Meadowlands Stadium*. It’s a pretty nice gesture, especially since Scott has never even met LeGrand.
“I’ve never met him but I heard he’s a great kid,” Scott told NFL.com. “He has a lot of concerns and needs right now, but I know someday he will walk, and that’s something I can’t wait for.”
The rollout of the clothing line will come in the next few weeks and include three original designs. Scott said he anticipates 1,200 shirts being produced in the first batch for distribution.
“All the proceeds from the first run will go to LeGrand to help him,” Scott said. “I want to do something for him, to help him. I hope we’ll sell out the shirts quickly so we can get the money to him because things are expensive with his care, and I know there are money needs. For instance, he needs to refit the doors at his house for his wheelchair.” (NFL.com)
Scott’s cousin was shot and paralyzed four years ago, so the Madbacker has a soft spot and deep comprehension of the way this can affect a person and his family. All in all, it’s a hell of a gesture by Scott. As a Miami Dolphins fan, I obviously can’t wear a Jets t-shirt, but I will still purchase one and give it to one of my Jets friends to wipe his tears away when their next Super Bowl guarantee fails.
*I know, it’s the Giants’ stadium. Just humor them.
