I remember the play vividly before the hit.

It was an option to the left.  Our quarterback could keep the ball or toss it.  He read his block and quickly passed it to me behind the line of scrimmage.  In my mind I would catch the ball, follow my blocker, and turn up field as quickly as possible for positive yardage.  It was a pretty simple play on paper.  But the only way it works is if everyone follows through with their assignment.  My fellow running back forgot his block and allowed the defensive-back to come through the line without …