Thanksgiving Buccaneer Style

Posted Nov 23, 2006 by Darin Shaw

Updated Nov 23, 2006 at 08:13 AM

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday.  The Shaw family Thanksgiving begins with our annual participation in our church’s Turkey Bowl.  Yep, I’m a grid-iron wannabe with slightly-above-average football skills for a preacher.  I talk trash with the best of them… at least until I pull a hamstring or something and limp back home.  Then it’s all about family, food, and real football.  I’m thankful the Bucs will be a part of our Thanksgiving Day this year.

It’s a shame that it takes a date set aside on the calendar for us to slow down and consider things for which we’re thankful, but it does force my hand.  I tend to wax sentimental at Thanksgiving.  Being that I have a football blog, and the Bucs are on the slate for the holiday, I’ve been recalling some Buccaneer-themed blessings for which I am thankful.  Here’s my list, in no particular order:

Lee Roy Selmon – He was an amazing player, and he is a class act.  I’m thankful to have visited his bust in Canton where he is the lone Buccaneer enshrined.  I hope he’ll have company there soon, but if there’s one Buc that could represent us all, it’s him!

Johnny Davis – I’m sure he doesn’t remember it, but when I was 11 years old I visited a relative in Tampa.  They told me “I think the guy across the street plays for the Bucs”.  I walked over and knocked on the door.  A lady answered (might have been his mother) and she invited me in.  There I saw the largest man I had ever seen playing the blues on a Hammond organ.  Johnny treated me to some music and football talk.  The nice lady treated me to some lemonade.  I’m thankful for those heroes that were worth looking up to.

‘Hey, Hey, Tampa Bay!  The Bucs know how to shine!’ – I truly hated that song.  But, the many memories I have of being at Tampa Stadium singing that song with my Dad are among those that I will never forget.

Gene Deckerhoff – There is simply nothing like hearing Gene make a touchdown call.  I’m thankful for every game I’ve caught with Gene at the mic.

Tony Dungy – There are lots of reasons I’m thankful for the time Coach Dungy was in Tampa, but chief among them is that he brought respect to the Buccaneers’ organization that had been mired in the doldrums for years.  He’s a great Coach.  He’s a greater man!

Doug Williams – Doug is a hero of mine.  I played as a kid wearing my number 12, Doug Williams, jersey.  I’m thankful to have Doug back in the Buccaneer family.

Derrick Brooks – I’ll bet he’s the next Buc in Canton.  As much as I’ve loved watching Derrick play, I’m most thankful for the man he is off the field.  Every year when I read about the Brooks Bunch and what he does with young people in the community, I give thanks for the true difference maker that he is.

Mike Alstott – Every time Mike carries the ball the stadium is charged.  Among the most memorable plays in Bucs history are a number of Alstott carries – blowing thru defenders (nice one last week as a matter of fact).  Again, away from the field, another great man of character.

I’m thankful for the chance to watch three road teams win today: Dolphins over the Lions, Bucs over the Cowboys, Broncos over the Chiefs.  Oh yea, and at the Turkey Bowl, the Pigskin Preacher’s team by 2 TD’s.  Happy Thanksgiving!