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As L (back in the 4-man days) I went downfield on a long pass, reciever is tackled as he catches the ball and I screech to a halt to mark the spot. Being a little off balance, my right knee is locked and out it front of the rest of my body when another defender, who was diving at full speed to make the tackle, missed the small pile in front of me and his helmet impacts my kneecap - and knees don't bend in that direction. I was out cold, but the downbox guy said my foot and shoulder met each other on the ground (he said he almost vomited!). I spent the game on the trainer's table, but the guy who hit me ended up sitting next to me - serves him right. The incident did earn him the team's "hit of the year" award, however. Didn't miss a game - and didn't need surgery until 3 years later. But I learned a big lesson - speed isn't as important as smarts.
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