By John Garces/sports editor
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s time to once again show gratitude for all the things we’re thankful for in life.
Sports fans always have plenty to give thanks for, and there is no shortage of reasons to give thanks this year, either.
So, before you carve that fattened-up turkey and celebrate the holiday, let’s take a second to remember all the good that sports has given throughout the past year.
On behalf of Cowboys fans everywhere, I’m thankful for Tony Romo for returning the position of Cowboys’ quarterback to that of a marquee position in sports and for helping to restore the team to their lofty perch as a Super Bowl contender.
I’m thankful for the unpredictable college football season we’re in the midst of, for bringing an “unofficial” playoff to a game that so desperately needs an official one to crown its champion.
With only one more year left until a new stadium in Arlington replaces it, I’m thankful we get to see old, venerable Texas Stadium host more big-time NFL games as the Cowboys head toward the playoffs.
Even though he probably won’t know what to do with it, I’m thankful Tom Hicks has an extra $7 million lying around to use on the Rangers.
Because of that, I’m thankful to Alex Rodriguez and his agent for their greed.
I’m also thankful that for every Pacman Jones or Michael Vick who make us hate sports, we have the miracle recovery of Kevin Everett or Cinderella stories like the Colorado Rockies going to the World Series to make us proud to be fans.
For a Thanksgiving Day routine of gorging on turkey and then watching the Cowboys that has gone unchanged at my house for all of my 27 years, I’m thankful.
For Thanksgiving weekend rivalries in college football, which often make or break a season, as well as decide the national championship contenders, I’m thankful.
Even though not everyone knows it because hockey is so low on the sports radar, I’m thankful the greatest American-born player in the game’s history, Mike Modano, plays here.
I’m thankful to Mark Cuban, for finally making contenders out of the Mavericks.
Most of all, I’m thankful for our freedom to watch, and be thankful for, sports.
And for that, we should all be thankful.
