Whatever happened to going over the top?

I was watching the highlights of the KC - Oakland game and saw that Larry Johnson got up over the line from the 1 yard line. I've been wondering for years now whatever happened to jumping over the line when a team was on the one. I realize a lot players took big shots when they tried to go over the top and I used to love seeing the RB get lit up by a LB who met him in the air, however, it was very effective.

The issue about taking big hits doesn't really bother me though. Emmitt used to do it, he's the all time leading rusher, that doesn't happen by being on the IR. I've seen the video of Walter Payton being dropped on his head after going over the top, but from what I understand, he didn't miss a play. And Marcus Allen might as well have patented the move. I just don't know what the reluctance is of running backs to go over the line is in today's NFL.

I was watching the highlights of the KC - Oakland game and saw that Larry Johnson got up over the line from the 1 yard line. I've been wondering for years now whatever happened to jumping over the line when a team was on the one. I realize a lot players took big shots when they tried to go over the top and I used to love seeing the RB get lit up by a LB who met him in the air, however, it was very effective.

The issue about taking big hits doesn't really bother me though. Emmitt used to do it, he's the all time leading rusher, that doesn't happen by being on the IR. I've seen the video of Walter Payton being dropped on his head after going over the top, but from what I understand, he didn't miss a play. And Marcus Allen might as well have patented the move. I just don't know what the reluctance is of running backs to go over the line is in today's NFL.

Well, teams routinly put in 6'7" plus sized players on the goal line and if that wasn't enough you have linebackers that are fast as hell. Oh and if you dare expose the ball and it doesn't cross the line, god help you. The smart thing to do is to bruise it in rather than take all the risks involved with diving over.

KC does it cause they may have one of the best interior lines of all time... not to mention good RBs (PH jumps all the time).