For most of the next six years, you don't think about how long your tackle football odyssey will last.
You work your tail off and forge lasting friendships based on mutual respect and sweat. You laugh together, cry together and even begin to appreciate the little aches and pains because they're the “good kind” that come from football.
Getting that invitation was never a problem for Montana senior running back Lex Hilliard. But like many of us, Lex knows what a football amputation feels like.
His occurred in August 2006 when the seemingly invincible turbo tank tore his Achilles' tendon in a non-contact situation at practice. All he could do for a full season was grit his teeth and watch.
How this “old man” injury ever happened to Hilliard is a mystery. Now that his football career has been reattached, there is no guarantee history won't repeat itself.
But one thing is for certain: Lex will never look at football the same way again.
“You're only one play away,” he lamented Saturday after plowing through Southern Utah for 108 yards and a touchdown in his first game since 2005. “Something can happen and you're down for a whole season.
“You just kind of take it for granted when you're healthy and you're playing. But these guys kept me going, kept my head on straight and now here I am a year later. That first hit today felt good. It felt good to be out there with the guys.”
Of the 23,599 screaming fans that watched Hilliard and the Griz put a home whuppin' on the Thunderbirds, no one knows for certain what Lex endured in rehab. But Montana coach Bobby Hauck has been around football long enough to appreciate Hilliard's resilience.
“A ruptured Achilles is a pretty devastating injury,” Hauck said. “It's great to have him back.
“He's a great young man. I've known him since he was a junior in high school. Selfishly it's great to have him back for another year.”
How great Hilliard is on the field has been documented. The Kalispell native can become the most prolific ground gainer in Griz history by averaging 120 yards in the next nine regular-season games.
But what makes this 23-year-old man with NFL aspirations truly unique is his personality. He's a likable, low-key guy who seems to have life and local football stardom in perspective.
If you were watching closely, Hilliard gave us all a peek at his perspective Saturday. Locked in a 17-9 tussle after three quarters and standing on the field waiting for the next play to be called in the huddle, Lex found time to wave to fans motoring across the field in the Griz Van.
Seeing that, I'd say he's already turned pro as a human being.
As for his football career, Hauck says Hilliard's best football this year is in front of him.
“I'm interested to hear what he has to say, but my impression was he was a little rusty,” the coach said. “He was his normal five yards a carry. But he will get better.”
Saturday marked the 12th time in Hilliard's career he has gone over 100 yards. He had some of his longest runs in the final period, which is remarkable considering his long break away from the game.
Asked if there was any point when he truly felt like he was back to normal, Hilliard responded with predictable humility.
“I was mostly just trying to catch my breath,” he said. “A lot has happened over a year.
“My offensive line really did a great job. Week-in and week-out they work their tails off all offseason. You can't ask for anything better.”
The same might be said of Lex - the player and person.
Columnist Bill Speltz can be reached at 523-5255 or by e-mail at bill.speltz@lee.net.
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