Thought you guys might be interested in this brilliant tribute video to the legendary chicago bears running back Walter Payton. You don't have to be an NFL-head to enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RDGYjUCqwg
I don't know that much about american football but I was just reading up on his wiki and founds a couple interesting things:
"As a player, Payton's signature high stepping, stiff-legged running gait was not merely for show but useful for preventing pursuing defenders from properly gauging his pace. Payton was also noted for not shying away from contact, often lunging into defenders rather than running out of bounds.... ....Payton's unique and distinctive running style was also a product of his desire to avoid injury. He would be known as "Sweetness", and Sweetness became his nickname throughout his career. He ran by planting only the balls and toes of his feet on the turf, and keeping his heels elevated. In the event of a tackle, this would allow his legs to move as if he was hit from the side, protecting the connective tissues in his knees from injury. This stance necessitated extremely strong leg biceps and gluteal muscles, as he had to swing his legs from his hips in order to run."
Man, that is cool. What a hero.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RDGYjUCqwg
I don't know that much about american football but I was just reading up on his wiki and founds a couple interesting things:
"As a player, Payton's signature high stepping, stiff-legged running gait was not merely for show but useful for preventing pursuing defenders from properly gauging his pace. Payton was also noted for not shying away from contact, often lunging into defenders rather than running out of bounds.... ....Payton's unique and distinctive running style was also a product of his desire to avoid injury. He would be known as "Sweetness", and Sweetness became his nickname throughout his career. He ran by planting only the balls and toes of his feet on the turf, and keeping his heels elevated. In the event of a tackle, this would allow his legs to move as if he was hit from the side, protecting the connective tissues in his knees from injury. This stance necessitated extremely strong leg biceps and gluteal muscles, as he had to swing his legs from his hips in order to run."
Man, that is cool. What a hero.