As we all enjoy our Thanksgiving holiday and weekend, how many of us actually stop for a few minutes to take stock of how lucky we are and all that we have to be grateful for? Here's my quick and simple guide for the NFL fans' "thank you" checklist.

Most importantly, every single time you see one of our men or women in uniform, no matter where or when, we all need to say, "Thank you!" This is a habit I got into a few years ago. All I do is walk right up to them, hold out my hand and say, "I can't thank you guys enough." I don't know how much it helps them, but I suspect it does, and it always leaves me feeling that at least I'm trying to fulfill a debt I can never repay.

If you're an Indianapolis Colts fan, I'm sure you're down on your hands and knees 16-19 times a year offering platitudes to Bill Polian, the best personnel man in the NFL. But have you given thanks yet to Jim Caldwell, Clyde Christensen and Larry Coyer? I know Caldwell and Christensen still have Tom Moore looking over their shoulders, but as first-timers each in their respective jobs, Caldwell, Christensen and Coyer have been beyond remarkable, overcoming injuries on both sides of the ball and having that team where it is. Colts fans owe them a huge thanks.

Are you a Bengals believer? Strange as the odyssey that landed him in Chili City may have been, you should be absolutely giddy that it dropped Cedric Benson in your laps. There are a ton of moving parts to this new and improved Bengals model, including the best pair of young cornerbacks in the NFL, which is a testament to Mike Brown's and Marvin Lewis' unflappable patience. However, at the end of the day, Benson has been the straw that's stirred the winning drink, and for that, big guy, Bengals fans say thank you. Also, Chad — I won't call you Ochocinco — so far this year you're on the right side of the line and have been the best show in the league. Thanks for having fun and keeping it real.

Do you love your Saints and Packers? While Darren Sharper has gotten most of the pub, and I certainly wouldn't argue that he's been less than deserving, I think it's possible Charles Woodson has been the best DB in the league. Sure, Woodson will get beat deep occasionally, but these two have made as many game-changing plays as anyone in the league, and for that, all of you Packers and Saints fans owe them each a huge pat on the back.

To all of you Browns, Lions, Rams, Bucs, Chiefs, Raiders, Bills and Redskins fans, how about if we all get down on our knees together and thank the good Lord for bye weeks and the fact that with Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's right around the corner, our pain for this year will be over soon.

I'd like to give thanks to Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson, Peyton Manning and anyone our readers would like to add to the list for being the supermen you are and for performing for us every weekend, and to Brett Favre for being the absolute marvel you are on the field — if not the distraction you can be off it — and the incredible story you're weaving for us this year.

Last but absolutely not least, I've been steering the ship here at PFW for over 30 years now, and everything gets old at some point. But the people I work with here, every one of them, beyond being the very best at what they do, are the kind of people any of you would give your best to for the chance to work, live, laugh and cry with. They make my job worth doing, and for all of us who read these pages, I say to them, "Thank you." May we all have the most peaceful, joyful and happy Thanksgiving ever.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released later this month. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.