What I’m thankful for as a Pittsburgh fan

Pittsburgh fans had plenty to be thankful for up to this point in 2013 and in some instances, things might be brighter heading into 2014.  Let’s take a look at the thankful list:

Mike Tomlin — Yes, many thought he was on the hot seat up until merely weeks ago, and some still think he is.  He might be a player’s coach, but he’s also a coach that players play for.  This team has not quit after starting 0-4, and Tomlin should get a good deal of credit for this.

Sidney Crosby — Just the fact that Pittsburgh fans get to watch this young man every game, enjoy it now.  Remember when Mario Lemieux played?  It went by fast.  I think sometimes we take for granted we have the game’s best player in our back yard.

Clint Hurdle — The right man at the right time.  Hurdle has brought in a positive attitude that hasn’t been seen in the Pirates’ dugout for quite sometime.  He never gets to low or too high, but always stays positive and has steered this young Pirates’ team to places they haven’t been in decades.  They have the right man in place to keep this thing going in the right direction.

Ben Roethlisberger — Another guy who hasn’t quit.  Not only has Ben not quit, he’s gotten stronger as the season has gone on.  He’s taken the Steelers’ offense on his back and has been tough as nails, setting the example for a team that has had  rare turmoil this season.

Andrew McCutchen — The newest N.L. MVP.  Not only is McCutchen turning into a great player, he seems to be a great guy off the field, as well.  And he’s just hitting his stride.  He was drafted to be and is now the face of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jason Grilli — He has evolved into a great closer after being a great set up man.  His attitude and swagger were contagious and he’s fan and media friendly.  A guy you can easily root for.

Antonio Brown  — I, for one, thought he wasn’t a number one guy, but he’s played superbly.  He’s been a huge part of the Steeler turnaround.

Consol Energy Center and PNC Park — Both are great venues.  Sure, Consol will never have the character of the Civic Arena, but it’s a gem of a place visually and is state of the art.  PNC Park speaks for itself.

Troy Polamalu — Kind of along the line of the Sidney Crosby commentary.  Don’t take for granted what could be the last couple years Troy will be playing in Pittsburgh.  Just voted the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the 7th time, this legend has been stepping his game up, even if he’s lost a step over the years.

ROOT Sports — Whether or not you like all of the announcers, reporters, etc., they give us a chance to look inside our favorite teams, and carry almost every Penguin and Pirate games.

Each of our three teams — All three could make the playoffs in their respective most recent seasons.  There are many cities that would kill to have one of their teams make it.