OT: Xmas Eve and What Michigan Player are you Thankful for?

Submitted by Lakeyale13 on December 24th, 2018 at 9:05 PM

This is all time and whatever sport you want.

For me...Its Denard.  I am so thankful for you my man.  He brought me so much Joy..more joy than any player I can remember in the last 15 years.  An honest share of frustration too...but man so much FUN to watch.  

I hate the RR years, but we wouldn't have one of the most amazing Michigan Men to attend the University without RR.  So thank you Denard!  You were pure excitement and lightning to watch.

MichiganStan

December 24th, 2018 at 9:10 PM ^

Marquise Walker. One of my first Michigan memories is this catch against Iowa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCP0wSE69dY

I remember going in my backyard and having my dad throw me passes for days trying to make one handed catches after that

Wolverine 73

December 24th, 2018 at 9:11 PM ^

Jim Harbaugh, for calling his shot against OSU and then backing it up with a clutch performance.  And then coming back to restore order to the mess left behind by RR and Hoke.

Lakeyale13

December 24th, 2018 at 9:44 PM ^

I love Gary.  His commitment brought us swag we haven't had in a while.  I just thought he would have taken over games defensively.  Don't get me wrong, he was still an incredibly good player.  But I feel like Chase was able to take over games in a way Gary wasn't able to.  Maybe that was due to Gary's double teams?  

Jumbo Elliot

December 24th, 2018 at 9:43 PM ^

I'll never forget being  8, 9, 10 ish and watching games then going out in the yard with my buddy taking turns pretending to be Desmond,  Derrick Alexander, Wheatley, Elvis Grbac etc... And of course the fab five as well- had cutout newspaper pictures of them all over my room.Hardly remember a thing about the actual games...but could never forget the hours and hours we spent outside imitating these guys ( and many more of our Michigan "heroes"). Sorry I couldn't pick just 1, that whole era ignited my lifelong fandom and for that i'm forever grateful!

northernmich

December 24th, 2018 at 9:45 PM ^

Trey Burke. My favorite Michigan athlete of all time. The Kansas shot will be the greatest sporting play I have ever watched.

tybert

December 24th, 2018 at 9:50 PM ^

Denard - last guy to beat TSDS since Navarre in 2003. 5 TD game.

My favorite all-time is Anthony Carter - he showed Bo that the forward pass was a weapon. With Wangler and some fine Rbs and great OLINE play - Bo finally won a bowl, and a big one 1981 Rose Bowl. 

KO Stradivarius

December 24th, 2018 at 10:10 PM ^

Rick Leach.  Although Dennis Franklin was the QB when I first became a Michigan fan as a boy, Rick was a stud.  Four year starter, ran the triple option, left handed QB, 3rd in Heisman voting, 1st rd pick for the Tigers although never really was a stud ballplayer.  

Grampy

December 24th, 2018 at 10:33 PM ^

Rick Leach had a nose for converting short yardage 3rd downs that had to be seen to be appreciated.  For myself, I’m most thankful for the school and the opportunities getting a degree from there provided me. Seeing a parade of gifted student-athletes waging tribal warfare on my behalf has been the cherry on top of a very nice sundae. 

realfootballfan

December 24th, 2018 at 10:47 PM ^

Tyrone Wheatley and Chris Webber for making me Michigan fans in the first place. 

Charles Woodson...because he's Charles Woodson. 

Denard for making the dark times somewhat enjoyable. 

 

Sparty Doesn't Know

December 24th, 2018 at 10:55 PM ^

Great topic!  Has to be #2 for me.  I was 17 in the title year and I remember thinking I would never see a better athlete for the rest of my life.  He is an icon of the program.

 

Durham Blue

December 24th, 2018 at 11:22 PM ^

For me it's a three-way tie -- Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson and Chris Webber.  I was a student during Howard's and Webber's time at Michigan.  Desmond's Heisman year was incredible with all the electrifying TD catches.  And I still vividly recall being in the stands at Crisler when the crowd gave the HS senior Webber a standing O as he walked in during a recruiting trip.  Those two guys gave me some unbelievable sports memories.  And Woodson because he's gotta be the best Michigan defensive player of all time.

The Mad Hatter

December 24th, 2018 at 11:31 PM ^

I'd be most thankful for any of them willing to come over to my house and help me finish putting this fireplace together that I've been working on for what seems like several years now.

Also, Desmond.