On John Madden, Thanksgiving, Sincere Gratitude
The kids are just a few feet away, sitting next to the Christmas tree, enthralled by the balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Our house is filled by the distinct and enticing smell of stuffing being cooked in the crock pot, as I write this.
Does it get any better than this?
To everyone reading this, to everyone who has subscribed to Between The Hashmarks, a sincere note of gratitude and thanks on this Thanksgiving morning.
This industry can be tumultuous, the layoffs relentless, the uncertainty ruthless.
All of those things, and the state of this world, led me to launch Between The Hashmarks.
But, more than an outlet covering football, what I’ve enjoyed most about this experience is the community of readers and fans that has been forged since we launched this past spring.
From interactions on social media, in the Substack Chat, and through answering your questions each week in the mailbag, Between The Hashmarks has offered an unparalleled way of advancing the conversation each week, and for that I am truly thankful.
Perhaps what I enjoy the most is the ability to finally work alongside my good friend, my colleague, my inseparable road drinking buddy at Super Bowls and NFL Combines, Mike Tanier, on the Between The Hashmarks Podcast. I’ve wanted the opportunity to work with Mike for nearly a decade, and thanks to the support of readers like you, that’s now a reality. You really should check out Mike’s Too Deep Zone, it is some of the most unique and insightful writing on football that you’ll find anywhere. It’s what makes Mike so damn talented.
Good friend and former radio partner in Philadelphia, Joe Staszak, has become a de-facto editor here. The chance to strengthen a friendship through rewarding work has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career.
Most of all, before we settle in to watch the Lions and the Bears, snooze our way through the Cowboys and the Giants, before sipping on our favorite alcohol to toast the holiday and this great sport while watching the Dolphins invade Lambeau Field to play the Packers, I’d like to simply say thank you. To you.
Everyone who reads. Everyone who has subscribed. Everyone who has been a longtime supporter of my work, or who has discovered it through this project, please know that I truly appreciate you.
So, happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the games, and please save me some stuffing and a craft brew!
- Matt
John Madden's Thanksgiving Day Games Are Still Iconic to This Day
This was one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve ever written on my career, published last Thanksgiving day. On John Madden’s lasting impact on Thanksgiving, Football’s value to this holiday’s traditions, and more.
There isn't a holiday where a sport is more inextricably tied to the traditions and festivities of the day than Thanksgiving and football, in large part thanks to the work of the legendary John Madden.
Whether it's backyard Turkey Bowls amid the falling leaves and autumn wind, high school rivalries renewed as the turkey roasts back home, or the Lions and Cowboys games a welcomed and familiar guest around your table, football is Thanksgiving as much as the stuffing, pumpkin pie, and family reunions built on gratitude.