I suspect many of us who witnessed it will agree with John Madden's statement that Darrell Reid's hit during the late game kick return on Chris Henry was maybe the most vicious hit we've ever seen.

At the moment of impact, I thought we'd witnessed another severe injury - not expecting to see the kick returner get up. Fortunately, not only did he get up - he got up rather quickly and trotted off (yes, ... to the correct sideline).

However, we dodged another bullet with this hit. And it was preventable. At the last moment, immediately before the impending impact, the 288 pound defensive lineman running at fult tilt towards the oncoming kick returner lowered his head and drove it into the returners helmet. Henry's head, and entire body, immediately and quite forcefully changed direction - slamming backwards into the turf with Reid continuing through and over him as he sprawled out.

Awesome and frightening at the same time. Yet no penalty. Further, Reid - on the Pro Bowl roster as a special teams squad player - seemed to celebrate the fact he'd clobbered the guy with the top of his head by prancing around and pointing to the top of his helmet.

I'm a passionate Colts fan. But this hit was deserving of a league fine. And we all should be glad we're not dealing with a severe neurological or spinal injury-related tragedy this morning. Serious injuries can happen during normal plays in the NFL. But plays like this are preventable - and should be punished heavily as a disincentive to any and all who might consider lowering their head in such a manner again.

Credits:  YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srUo2MDngJE