Many people and places to appreciate in Minnesota sports

MINNEAPOLIS - The often-tried, though perhaps not fully true, method of writing Thanksgiving-week sports columns is to declare our rare gratitude for the figures and entities behind the facts that we so frequently process and disseminate.

It's been noted in this space that the current state of Minnesota's major teams leaves much to be desired for fans in the region, but, hey, we're not without reason to smile a little bit, too.

Here's why, from "Z" to "A" for the sake of doing it differently:

Zygmunt Wilf. He hasn't progressed in his quest for public money to build a palace for the Vikings and some of his hiring practices have come into question, but his kid-at-a-birthday-party expression when he's on the field before a game is priceless.

Youtube It's a convenient place to watch the best of Adrian Peterson's bursts through the line.

Xcel Energy Center. The greatest multipurpose venue the state has ever had.

Williams, Pat. He's a good man, a good player, and a great reminder why those abdominal workouts you're doing at the gym every evening are a total waste of time.

See THANKS, Page 13A