Stefon Diggs and the Gophers serve the Minneapolis community for Thanksgiving

Minnesota Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs and the Minnesota Gophers football team served the Minneapolis community by giving out turkeys for Thanksgiving.

While most enjoy stuffing themselves with turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, there’s many families that don’t have that luxury. In fact, many families struggle just to put any food on the table for Thanksgiving, let alone on a daily basis.

Luckily, some of those families in the Minneapolis community received help from Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs and the Minnesota Gophers football team a couple days prior to Thanksgiving. Specifically, Diggs and the Gophers put on turkey drives for families in need.

For Diggs, this was the first turkey drive he’s held, although it looks like the start of an annual event. Teaming up with CenturyLink and Hy-Vee, he was able to donate and give away 1,000 turkeys. Not only that, but he also personally handed those turkeys out to each family. In the process, he took photos, gave out hugs, and brought smiles to countless faces. In turn, Diggs showed that he’s just as much a difference maker off the field as he is on it.

As matter of fact, take a listen to what Stefon Diggs had to say about making a difference in the community with his first turkey drive.

As for the Gophers, the football team raised money out of their own pockets to purchase 200 turkeys. According to the Pioneer Press, each player put in a minimum of $5 to pay for the turkeys with 30 players donating more than the minimum. In addition, the money went towards stuffing, gravy, hot chocolate and Gophers posters, which also were given out to each family.

Along with head coach P.J. Fleck, the team handed everything out in a drive-thru setup, allowing families to stay in the comfort of their warm vehicles.

In the end, it’s safe to say the people receiving turkeys didn’t just walk away with Thanksgiving dinner, but also, hope during the toughest of times.

More from Sporting Sota

• Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
• Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
• Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
• Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
• Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot

To be honest, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. To not only be thankful for what we have, but to use what we have to bless others around us. By doing so, we have the opportunity to give others hope and at the same time, give them something to be thankful for. In reality, that’s what Diggs and the Gophers football team accomplished here.

Most importantly, they realize that their influence goes far beyond what they can do on the field. Of course, they have a job to do on the field, but in the end, it is just a game. The eternal significance of that game doesn’t compare to how they can transform someone’s life away from it.

This time around, the result was that 1,200 families received Thanksgiving dinner and ultimately, the gestures could end up changing someone’s life forever.

Next: 4 things the Vikings should be thankful for!

With that, Sporting Sota wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! May you be thankful for what you have, embrace time with loved ones and pour hearts of gratitude unto others! God bless!