Thanksgiving is upon us. Another fourth Thursday in November where NFL fans are forced to watch the pathetic Detroit Lions and the underperforming Dallas Cowboys, while stuffing their faces at the idea of Christmas being right around the corner.
But before you rush off to Target and are forced to play tug of war over the last 50-inch flat-screen television, let us be sure not to pass this season of being thankful by. In the past year, sports fans have a lot to be thankful for.
Starting with what I am most thankful for in 2019 is the Toronto Raptors, especially Kawhi Leonard.
When the 2019 NBA season began, there was not much to be seen in terms of competitiveness. A LeBron James injury and a season of a toxic teammate, Kyrie Irving, derailing the Lakers and Celtics title hopes. A lack of a three-point shot kept Giannis Antetokounmpo from making the Bucks to a contender, and an underperforming Chris Paul keeping the Rockets as mediocre as ever. It was another year of the big bad Golden State Warriors.
But not so fast. In 2019, all NBA fans need to thank Kawhi Leonard for restoring balance to the NBA, taking down the Golden State Warriors with a combination shooting, defense and just being a fun guy. A four games to two victory by the Toronto Raptors, in the 2019 NBA finals, ended a Warriors dynasty that had been wreaking havoc since 2015 and sending the NBA into a free agent frenzy. Big name superstars Kevin Durant, Paul George, Irving, Anthony Davis and Leonard, himself, found new homes to play for in 2020 and taking the NBA to a place it hasn’t been since 2015, a competitive place.
So, thank you Leonard and the Raptors.
The second thing I can’t help but be thankful for in 2019 is Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety Minkah Fitzpartick.
Having grown up in a household that keeps a Terrible Towel next to the nativity scene around Christmas time, I could not help but sulk and pout after the Steelers’ 0-3 start to the 2019-20 NFL season. Fourth quarter and overtime fumbles by James Connor and JuJu Smith-Schuster put me and my fellow Steelers fans in a place that only Lions and Browns fans belong, winless.
But that was seven weeks ago.
The Steelers as of now are 5-4, winning five of their last six games and landing themselves in the current playoff picture as the AFC’s second wildcard team.
After a 1-4 start, the NFL was ready to bury this team. An elbow injury sidelined the team’s franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and a disastrous defense allowing 30 points per game, there was no reason for this team to even be sniffing .500, let alone the postseason.
Until head coach Mike Tomlin pulled the trigger on a trade that sent the Steelers’ 2020 first round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Fitzpatrick. This trade would transform the Steelers from a team fighting for the number one pick in the NFL draft to a fighting for the division lead in the AFC north.
Since Fitzpatrick’s arrival to Pittsburgh, he has forced six turnovers, grabbed five interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns, all while leading the Steelers to a 5-2 record and four consecutive wins.
Steelers’ season has been given new life by Fitzpatrick, and he seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. So, thank you, Minkah.
The final thing myself and all sports fans of the world should give thanks for while they are sitting around the table carving up the turkey this year is how sports continue to grow.
2019 has been a year of self-reflection for sports that has seen growth in the pro and college sports leagues nationally.
The NFL, installing replay reviews of the dreaded pass-interference penalty to insure we will never have or see a Rams and Saints NFC championship scenario again.
The NCAA, permitting their athletes to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness outside of their university so struggling college students have a chance to earn some of the money for themselves that their universities selfishly keep for themselves.
The MLB, using the minor leagues to experiment with TrackMan to help home-plate umpires in calling balls and strikes.
These improvements are only a few of the improvements sports in America are making to improve the lives of the athletes and the entertainment value for viewers all around the country.
The sports calendar has been nothing short of entertaining and rewarding in 2019. So, when the turkey is being basted and the pumpkin pie being cooked, just be sure to take a moment and say thanks for your favorite team’s late season win streak that got them into the playoffs or your favorite player’s game winning shot that got them on SportsCenter’s top plays, because 2019 has given fans a lot to cheer for this year and it is only right we say our thanks. Happy Holidays.
By John Pullano. Sports Editor
pullanjj18@bonaventure.edu
