There were a lot of running backs as good as me. The real difference was that I could focus. I never laid back and relied on natural ability.
I could run 200 yards at a stretch, I could duck between players, I felt free to make plays that suited me best. It wasn't like football then and basketball today, where coaches tell you what foot to put down.
People think that coaches are always right, but it's difficult to teach a runner how to run, because every runner is different. You have to have an understanding of how to assist what that runner has, so they know how to assist what you have without taking away your special ability, because you're not like anybody else.
Nobody I ever broke bread with, and I see players all the time, talked about using their head running the football.
I was just a big guy running down with a big, deep pocket and little short stick putting it against my chest.
