Your post bought back memories of Geoff Sidebottom, Brian Powney's backup. I remember him being knocked out in a challenge, being bought back to consciousness and given a cigarette which he smoked whilst hanging on to a goalpost. I always thought it was one of those childhood memories, but then read this on Wikipedia.
He had a spell playing in America with the New York Generals during 1967-68 when signed by his former Scunthorpe manager Freddie Goodwin. He later followed Goodwin back to England to join Brighton and Hove Albion in January 1969 before retiring in 1971 due to a head injury sustained in a FA cup tie against Walsall FC. Kicked in the head twice whilst diving at the strikers feet, the second time also heavily contacting the upright, the resultant injury left him with double vision. Sidebottom then began a new career as a Window Cleaner in Shoreham-by-Sea.
So for Geoff and all our other heroes wherever they may be, enjoy tonight, you earned it