The ultimate Thanksgiving food football roster!

It’s Thanksgiving, and that means I get to combine by two favorite things in this world: food and football. What’s better than some cool fall weather, a delicious plate of food, and some football? You’re right — nothing. And because it’s me, I’m going to break down Thanksgiving food in a special Xs and Os article.

It’s the staple of any Thanksgiving meal, the centerpiece. If the turkey isn’t any good, the meal isn’t any good. The quarterback is the face of a franchise and if you don’t have an elite one, like an elite turkey, you’re out of luck.

Now, just like quarterbacks, there are different levels of turkey. The Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, etc. type turkey is clearly the fried turkey. I hadn’t had a fried turkey until I showed up in the South. Now it’s the only way to eat turkey. Inject it with some creole butter and you’re set.

After the elite quarterback, it’s all up for debate, just like the next style of turkey is all about taste. Baked, smoked, rotisserie — just depends how you like it.

It’s meaty, hearty, warm, packs a punch, and full of goodness. It brings you happiness and it can fill you up. It’s also paired hand-and-hand with the turkey, just like the quarterback and the offensive line.

Also, you can always count on the stuffing to be delicious, just like you can count on the offensive line to always show up and put in the work.

It’s versatile and not everyone has an excellent one. Ham can be baked plain, honey baked, and can be used on a sandwich. When a TE runs a seam route to perfection, it’s money. When you find a style of ham you enjoy, it’s money as well.

Like a wide receiver, you need to have a No. 1 dessert option. And if you find a delicious one, it helps your offense to no end. If you can’t find that dessert you love, or that wide receiver to help the offense, it’s hard to function.

Side note, fruit shouldn’t be in a dessert — apple pie, cherry pie, peach pie … all hard no’s. (There are SOME folks at SB Nation who would disagree.)

They fill you up and prevent your stomach from enjoying all the turkey. Vegetables come in many forms, shapes and tastes, just like defensive lineman.

Green bean casserole is the stud defensive end, and you could stub some collard greens as well.

Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. … They are hard hitting, straight ahead and can work on multiple plates, just like a linebacker. Linebackers can stop the run, rush the passer and drop back into coverage. Seems like a perfect fit.

They are soft, fluffy, and empty calories, but they’re much needed. And adding a delicious roll to your plate, just enhances the experience of Thanksgiving. Having an elite defense back enhances your defense as well! Match made in heaven!

You don’t know how important it is until you get some bad cranberry sauce. Just like you don’t pay attention to the kicker, punter, and long snapper until something bad happens.

If you’re building a plate, you have to build like you’d build a team. Turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and a dinner roll. Then it’s dealers’ choice. I personally love some mac ‘n cheese.

Let me know what’s on your plate for Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday weekend!