So much to be thankful for!

Not being with my family and friends for the holidays has really helped me reflect on all aspects of life. These times have helped me really put things into perspective and let me realize the people who are important in my life. It’s helped me ponder where I started, where I am and helped me stay focused on where I am going.

This is my belated Thanksgiving column, where I list off the many things I am thankful for. During times of deep reflection, I realize how truly lucky I am, and how much I actually have to be thankful for.

First and foremost I have to talk about my parents. I’m so thankful for my dad and mom. They have given me everything that I have, taught me more about life and put me in a position to succeed from day one. I would be nothing without them.

I’m thankful for coach Edwards, his staff and the Kansas City Chiefs for taking a chance on a kid from California. The passion this coach has for his players, the organization and everyone else he comes across is unmatched. The lessons I have learned from these men have been worth millions.

I am thankful for our offensive coordinator, Mike Solari, who is in charge of the worst statistical offensive team in the NFL, yet works harder than any man I know. The media is calling for his job and people within the building question his ability, yet he still shows up with a smile on his face. He goes out of his way to show me respect, when he doesn’t even need to acknowledge my presence. I’m thankful for coach Solari showing me how to be a true professional.

I’m thankful for witnessing the rivalry that is Kansas and Missouri, hatred and bitterness that has been around since the Civil War. This rivalry is something Californians can’t comprehend, a passion that doesn’t exist on the West Coast. I’m thankful for Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing for making two programs relevant on a national level, and breaking the mold of a prototypical quarterback. They are two quarterbacks who have that “it” factor.

I’m thankful for this fall and everything that I have been a part of – it has been special.

I’m thankful for Tiger on Sundays, Kobe on a basketball court, Lance on a bike in Europe and Griffey in his prime. I’m thankful for Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain anchoring the Giants’ staff for the next 12 years, being the most dynamic 1-2 punch baseball has ever seen.

I’m thankful for Barry Bonds. Say what you want about the man – I’m sure you could say a lot – but there has never been anyone like him. We may never see a player more dialed in at the plate. He was an absolute joy to watch hit, and I am going to miss No. 25 in the middle of the Giants lineup.

I am thankful for coaches, teachers, firefighters, doctors and everyone else who makes a positive impact on a daily basis. I’m thankful for great books, and the work of Rick Reilly, Jim Rome and Bill Simmons. I’m thankful for the truly talented members of the media.

I’m thankful for Cal Poly, the weather, the girls and Firestone Grill three – make that four – nights a week. I’m thankful for everyone who is playing in the NFL who went to Cal Poly; I take great pride when I watch them play on Sundays.

I’m thankful for Pat Tillman, someone I find myself thinking about on a daily basis. Tillman is my hero, and a true inspiration for all.

On that note, I’m also thankful for our service men and women, who don’t get enough respect. Our service men and women make our daily routines seem meaningless; their importance to this nation is immeasurable.

Most of all I am thankful for athletics. Sports are my life, my profession and my passion. The impact sports have on a community, a city, a state, a country, is unlike anything. The passion people have in this country for youth through professional sports is uniquely special. I am thankful for those who share my passion – be it a player, coach or a fan.

So whether you sit courtside, or listen on the radio, take the final shot or just simply run the scout team, I am thankful for you.

Thank you for reading the back page of the Mustang Daily every Thursday, and Happy Holidays from Kansas City.