Giving Thanks

It’s this time of the year when we should all stop, reflect and give thanks for all we have. Now here is a list of sports related personnel, events and other things that I have to be thankful for:

I give thanks for John Wooden: the one sports figure I would want my children to have as a role model.

I give thanks for Wilt & Russ, Ali & Frazier, Magic & Bird, Martina & Chrissy: enemies and friends who put winning above all else.

I give thanks for Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant and Derek Jeter: simply the best and even better when it matters most.

I give thanks for Lambeau Field, Yankee Stadium and the Rose Bowl: some of the greatest moments in sports at some of the most majestic sights.

I give thanks for Murderer’s Row, the Steel Curtain and the Showtime Lakers: style and substance made them all-time greats.

I give thanks for Joe Dumars, Wayne Gretzky and Yogi Berra: nice guys don’t always finish last.

I give thanks for Mary Lou Retton, Michael Johnson and Michael Phelps: the world watched and they delivered.

I give thanks for Roger Maris and Henry Aaron: the single season and career homerun record holders by those NOT on steroids.

I give thanks for Vin Scully, Al Michaels and Keith Jackson: they painted masterpieces with their words.

I give thanks for John McEnroe and Charles Barkley: you have to play with intensity.

I give thanks for Steve Prefontaine and Bo Jackson: explosive in just a short time, what if?

I give thanks for Jackie Robinson: courage under fire.

Here are more that other people are thankful for:

“I give thanks for the Catch. Montana to Clark began a dynasty.” – Joe, San Francisco, CA

“I give thanks for the Leprechaun. Now there’s a steal by Bird! Underneath to DJ who lays it in!” Adam, Denver, CO

“I give thanks for Walter Payton. Pure Sweetness.” Tommy, Boise, ID

“I give thanks for Marcus Allen. His switchback run in Super Bowl XVIII made me bleed Silver and Black.” Ian, Ventura, CA

“I give thanks for US soccer fans. No one shoots and kills our players when we score an own goal.” Rudy, Eugene, OR

“I give thanks for Tyus Edney and his mad dash buzzer beater. It makes March Madness so memorable.” Eric, Lake Havasu City, AZ

“I give thanks for NFL Redzone. I’ll never again miss a Steelers touchdown.” Kirstan, Los Angeles, CA