I love Thanksgiving.

Justin Jefferson, a warrior of the gridiron and a man of youthful joy, once spoke with simplicity words that carry the weight of tradition: “I love Thanksgiving.” Though brief, this declaration is rich with meaning, for it ties the heart of a modern athlete to one of the most ancient rhythms of human life—the act of gathering, feasting, and giving thanks. In those three words lies not only personal affection for a holiday but also a testimony to the enduring power of gratitude, family, and shared remembrance.

The essence of this saying rests in the sacredness of gratitude. For in every age, from the harvest festivals of ancient peoples to the national celebration of Thanksgiving in America, humanity has paused to remember that abundance is not self-made, but given. Jefferson’s love for this day is not merely about food and festivity, but about a recognition that joy is found in gathering together, in acknowledging blessings, and in the humility of being thankful. His words remind us that amidst ambition and striving, we must return to the table of gratitude.

Consider history: the Pilgrims of Plymouth in 1621, after enduring a bitter winter that claimed many lives, gathered with the Wampanoag people to give thanks for survival, for harvest, and for the bonds of community. It was not ease that inspired gratitude, but hardship overcome. And so, the celebration of Thanksgiving has from its origin been a reminder that even in suffering, there are reasons to be thankful, and that feasting is sweetest when it is shared. Jefferson’s words, though simple, align with this ancient truth—that to love Thanksgiving is to love the spirit of endurance, fellowship, and blessing.

His expression also reflects the wisdom of simplicity. In an age of endless distractions, where every thought is crowded by complexity, there is power in proclaiming love for something as straightforward as a family holiday. The statement is uncluttered, like the feast itself—where food is plain but abundant, and joy is found not in extravagance but in togetherness. Jefferson, who lives in the bright glare of stadium lights and fame, shows us through these words that the grounding of the soul is found not in spectacle, but in hearth and home.

Yet within the joy of Thanksgiving lies a discipline: the act of giving thanks even when life is difficult. A feast of gratitude is easy in times of plenty, but the heart of Thanksgiving is learning to bless even in scarcity. Families gather not only to enjoy the bounty but to strengthen bonds, to remember their ancestors, and to teach their children that life is most beautiful when received with appreciation. Jefferson’s love of the holiday, then, can be seen as an echo of this discipline—an acknowledgment that gratitude itself is a source of strength.

The lesson is clear: to love Thanksgiving is to love the act of pausing, reflecting, and sharing. It calls each of us to put aside striving for a moment and to embrace the people around us with warmth. It invites us to see blessings not as entitlements but as gifts. And it challenges us to carry the spirit of the day beyond the holiday itself—to practice gratitude daily, to make every meal an opportunity for thanks, and to treat every gathering as a sacred moment.

Therefore, let Justin Jefferson’s simple words endure as a timeless teaching: “I love Thanksgiving.” For in them, the athlete reminds us of the universal truth that no matter how high one rises in life, the greatest joys are still found in tables shared, gratitude spoken, and bonds renewed. Love this day not only for its feasting, but for its meaning—for in Thanksgiving, humanity remembers its dependence, celebrates its blessings, and strengthens the ties that will carry it through every trial.