Several Miami Dolphins players talk about what they are thankful for

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
It's Thanksgiving and that means we should all take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for. We all have our different things and for NFL players, it's no different. With the holiday here, several players reflected on what they are thankful for.

Cameron Wake, who had one of the toughest journeys to the NFL and to where he is today, reflected on that path and he understands that he's been truly blessed to get the opportunity to play for the Miami Dolphins and in the NFL.

“We would be here for the next 35 minutes if I spoke about that. As you said, just my story and the opportunity I’ve had to be standing here talking to you guys, the support I had that allowed me to be here. I’ve been truly blessed in every capacity from me personally physically to be in this situation with the Miami Dolphins, my family, the help I have, there are so many things. Just being able to in the next hour, we are going out to give back to the community. Just to be in a position to do all of those things, I think it really is a holiday that makes you reflect.”

Ja'Wuan James, a rookie, said he's thankful for so many things and plans to enjoy his family and the time together after they are done practicing and home for the day.

“I’m thankful for a lot of things, thankful for waking up this morning, thankful for this opportunity to play this game and the people in our lives. We’ve talked about it all week, we don’t want it to be a distraction, we need to enjoy our families and have a good time on that day, but at the end of the day we’ve got to get ready for Monday. So just try to give our thanks on Thursday, be done with it, and get ready for the Jets.” 

Jared Odrick, one of the leaders on the defense and defensive line, talked about the community and how they have helped them by passing out over 500 turkeys on Wednesday evening.

“It’s a great event every year where we’re able to hand out a few turkeys and a few turkey dinners to some people that may not have it otherwise. Each year, each player tries to do something whether it’s on their own or with ten team that tries to give back to the community, especially on the holidays. Because down here, half the time you don’t recognize that it’s a holiday because it’s summer weather outside, but then you’re remind very quickly just handing those turkeys out that there are families in need and it’s a time of spending a lot of time with your family and just appreciating what you have. If you can do that by helping other people out, that’s fine by. I’ll continue to do it every year.”

Today is a good day to also remember that NFL players are humans just like us and they go through their ups and downs just like us. They'll certainly be enjoying Thanksgiving just like the rest of us will be throughout the day before jumping back on the practice field tomorrow.

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