For the past ten years, I’ve abided by a personal rule: when a play is coming at you too fast, push off, and get out of the way. It’s served me well, as I’ve never been hit during a football game, despite a few close calls.

Yesterday, I broke my own rule.  (View photo gallery)

As Bucs running back Cadillac Williams turned the corner and turned on the speed, I knew he was going to make it in the end zone. I also knew it would be his first touchdown since returning from an injury involving a torn patellar tendon in a Week 4 game against Carolina last season.

Rather than step away, I stayed in position, kneeling, and managed one last burst of frames as he crossed the goal line.

Unfortunately, the Saints' Roman Harper (41) was closing on Williams with equal speed, and hit him as he scored, driving him into me. I’m sore today, but the photo was worth it. I think I’ll go back to following my old rule though, as I'm well aware I was lucky.

- Brendan Fitterer

Top photo by Brendan Fitterer | Times; bottom photos by Brian Cassella | Times