Leach's List: What I'm Thankful For This Year
By Dan Leach
@dtmleach
With Thanksgiving just hours away, I felt no better time than to talk about what I am grateful for when it comes to sports and life. There are so many beautiful things in this world and too often we forget just how lucky we are. Spend some wonderful time with family and friends, enjoy some great football, and know that this is one of the greatest times of the year.
-The Lions Thanksgiving Classic- Growing up in Detroit this became an annual event for most of my youth as my father, my late grandpa Saul M. Leach, and I would always trek down to the Pontiac Silverdome to watch our beloved Lions and bond. Some of the best memories I will ever have!
-The Ohio State V Michigan Game- Yes, this year it likely won't go well for the Wolverines (largest point-spread at Michigan Stadium in my lifetime at 14), but being able to spend most of those epic Saturdays over the last 31 years with my father are memories and emotions that will stay with me my entire life.
-The NBA- The Pistons have had their share of lean years lately, but the times seem to be getting brighter. Growing up though the NBA was one of my first sports loves during the Bad Boy Pistons era, and is a major reason I do what I do today. While the game has definitely changed over the years from a true team game to one that sometimes can be very selfish at times. It still is a beautiful thing to watch and will always feature some of the greatest athletes in the world.
-Being from Motown- Many people during my travels will do a double take when they ask where I am from and I tell them Detroit. They often ask "Aren't you afraid for your life?" I kindly smile and say "No, it is not like you think it is." But inside my heart I want to punch them sometimes, and I am about as nonviolent as they come. Detroit is a truly special place, so rich in history, so full of hard working and passionate people. Being born and raised here is what I truly feel helped develop me into someone who is understanding of what being a good, loving, and gracious human being is all about.
-YOU- Being able to share my views, love, and passion with all of you is something I take very seriously and view as a true privilege. To be able to do it on the airwaves of 97.1 The Ticket and connect with all of you is something that I am extremely grateful for and take a tremendous amount of pride in.
-Most Importantly My Friends and Family- I am truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends that have always believed in me and have been by my side during truly tough times. I always try to live my life as an extension of those that I care about so much and from a place of true gratitude as without those special people that have showed me what life is truly about and what it is to be a good person, I would not be the man I am today.
Here is wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday season! To wonderful times ahead for all!
