As a high school football player, Josh Cribbs would often start his Thanksgiving Day by playing in the Washington, D.C., championship game in the Turkey Bowl. From there, the Cribbs family gathered en masse at their home, their appetites ready for action.
But the Cleveland Browns' Pro Bowl wide receiver/kick returner understands that not everyone can be so fortunate on Thanksgiving Day, which is why he teamed up with friend and teammate Mike Adams to offer a meal to those in need.
Cribbs and Adams, a safety for the Browns, celebrated their inaugural Give Thanks Outreach Initiative in Cleveland on November 18. They purchased and distributed food for the Thanksgiving holidays to 10 families in the Greater Cleveland area.
Both agree it's a way to help the plight of families who are struggling to provide for their families, pay the bills and feed and clothe their children. Their stories are yet another reason why football is America's favorite sport.
"My family often struggled with paying bills on time and rarely did we get expensive things, but for Thanksgiving, none of that mattered," said Cribbs, who played quarterback at Dunbar High School in D.C. "On Thanksgiving, we lived like kings for a day in the Cribbs' household.
"Growing up in my household Thanksgiving was always huge. I came from a family that prides itself on being able to eat and prepare large, soulful meals. My parents would start cooking and preparing the meals two days in advance. They would make every dish and entrée imaginable."
The death of his mother when Adams was a youngster provided him with a new outlook on Thanksgiving.
"We had a big family, so food, family and love was the cornerstone of our Thanksgiving," Adams said. "After the passing of my mother, our grandmother stepped in and raisedme and my siblings. It was very difficult and a struggle for food, clothing and household expenses."
Not alone in their efforts, Browns defensive end Shaun Smith is also helping to give back to the community. Wearing a No. 91 jersey, Smith decided to give away 91 turkeys to families in need. And since both Cribbs and Adams can relate to the dire circumstances that some families face, they've decided that the 2008 version of the Give Thanks Outreach Initiative will be the first of many.
"Mike and I wanted to do something different where we could dramatically impact families in need," Cribbs said. "Our country is in perilous times, which makes it hard for families to make ends meet and consequently throws off the stability of our whole economy. It's unfortunate that people don't even have enough money to do daily errands such as getting gas, going to the grocery store, catching a cab or bus, or paying their energy or light bills. Times are harder now than ever."
Cribbs recalls the circumstances that he once faced, and wants to lessen that hardship for others in a similar position.
"As professional athletes we are taught not to forget our roots because many of us came from humble beginnings. That is the code that we as athletes must live by," Cribbs said. "We are in a position to both financially and socially give back to those families who are in unfortunate circumstances. I feel that it is my duty and my obligation to give back in this time of need and continue to find ways to make a difference."
Adams made the initiative an extension of charitable deeds he's already providing in his hometown of Paterson, N.J. In economic times that many have never faced, Adams figures it's a good time to let folks know that he's a member of the community, just like they are.
"I am the community, I represent the community," Adams said. "I have been fortunate to have my dream job. But I never forget the long road I took to get here. Not only do I contribute in my team city community [Cleveland], but I'm very involved in my hometown community [Paterson]. Through my foundation along with my best friend Gerald Hayes, middle linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, we formed the Rising Stars Foundation whose sole mission is to provide academic, social, cultural and life skills instructions and exposure for the kids who are most often ‘forgotten.' I was raised to be humble and thankful, and as a tribute to my mother and my family, giving back is something that I will always do.
"Thanksgiving is about giving, and we wanted to find a way to bless families who need it the most."
Like many people, Adams would often work up an appetite - or later get some fresh air - by playing football on Thanksgiving Day.
"I think every kid went outdoors to play football on Thanksgiving," Adams said. "I grew up in a cold weather state, so going outdoors playing football in the chilly weather was a tradition. I watched both college and the pros on TV."
Just like at those Thanksgiving meals, Adams found the influx of family part of his experience as a youth football player.
"I played youth football in Paterson, and playingwhile yourentire family is there is the best!" Adams said. "Once we were in a championship game in overtime. We had punted and thereturner had dropped the ball. I scooped it and scoredthe winningTD. My teammates and family were jumping on me in the end zone celebrating, but it was called back because they said it was a muff. That was the first time I ever heard that rule. We ended up losing and not going to the Super Bowl!"
Cribbs extended his high school football-playing experience onto Thanksgiving Day itself.
"I was fortunate enough to play in the Turkey Bowl three years in a row, winning all three," Cribbs said. "After my family and friends attended this city event, which sold out every year, Thanksgiving Day was officially on! Winning the high school championships and going home to make some of my best childhood memories was all in a day's work. Coming home city champs made my Thanksgiving meal taste that much better."
Cribbs found his experience as a youth football player helped shape his professional playing career - one that has allowed him to reach out to others during this Thanksgiving holiday.
"I started playing Pop Warner football when I was 8 years old in Washington, D.C.," Cribbs said. "I was always running behind my brother, who started playing ball a couple years before me. I learned all the start up lessons I needed for the game. Soon after that, I acquired the name ‘Tiger' and I was known around the city by Tiger. Even when the people of the city were speaking with my mother, they would refer to her as ‘Tiger's Mom.'
"I had so many great moments playing youth football, but one moment in particular stands out. It was my last year of Pop Warner when my team made it all the way to the Super Bowl in Orlando at Disney's Wide World of Sports. My team was deeply immersed and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to play this sport we loved in this atmosphere. I knew at that point when we made it to Florida and realizing how difficult it was and how much work it took to get there that I had what it took to play that next level of ball. Playing football and other sports as a youth gave me the foundation and the experience for my dream of one day playing in the NFL."
This year, 10 families in the Cleveland area are also thankful that Cribbs and Adams realized their dreams.
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
