The two Fiesta Bowls were played in different stadiums, but for two star players, they ended with similar results. Miami tailback Willis McGahee tore ligaments in one knee as the Hurricanes lost to Ohio State on Jan. 3, 2003. Twelve years and 363 days later, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith tore ligaments in one knee as his team lost to the Buckeyes.
The good news for both is that they had insurance policies, but the difference in how they were insured illustrates how much has changed in that time. In fact, even four years ago, Smith might not have been protected the way he is now.