This Thanksgiving, as you eat dinner and watch football, it is important to remember the difficult voyage traveled by the Mayflower passengers in 1620. In fact, some current NFL players serve as great reminders, as they share last names with some of the brave men and women who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and helped establish Plymouth Colony.
Here is a list of the top five players who share last names with Mayflower Pilgrims, and the career highlights that earn them a place on this list:
1. Sam Bradford – St. Louis Rams
Although Bradford has battled injuries this season, Rams fans are anxiously awaiting the day when he is fully healthy again and can return to displaying the skills shown during his wonderful rookie season in 2010. Throwing for 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns, Bradford led the Rams to seven wins last season and has a bright future in St. Louis.
William Bradford served as governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years, and provided us with excellent notes (now available as Of Plymouth Plantation) detailing the efforts and struggles of the Pilgrims. Thanks to Bradford, we know for sure that turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621.
2. Kellen Winslow – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winslow is having another solid season as the Bucs’ tight end, with 35 catches for 311 yards and a couple of scores. Since 2006, when healthy, Winslow has been one of the better tight ends in the NFL. His career statistics include 397 receptions, 4,384 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Edward Winslow was a respected Pilgrim leader who also provided information about the first Thanksgiving celebration. Winslow’s writing tells us the initial Thanksgiving lasted at least three days, and that the menu included five deer.
3. Roddy White – Atlanta Falcons
White is one of the top receivers in the NFL and has posted over 80 receptions and more than 1,100 yards in each of the past four seasons. He had a memorable Thanksgiving Day performance for the Falcons in 2007, when he caught six passes for 104 yards and a score in a 31-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
William White was one of the unfortunate Mayflower passengers who did not survive the group’s first winter. His widow, Susanna, married Edward Winslow in 1621, marking the first marriage to take place at Plymouth Colony.
4. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons
After spending his first four years sitting behind LaDainian Tomlinson as a member of the San Diego Chargers, Turner is now in his fourth season as Atlanta’s starting running back. Leading the NFL in rushing attempts twice in recent years, Turner has accumulated 5,890 career rushing yards with 52 touchdowns.
John Turner and his two sons arrived on the Mayflower and, like William White, did not survive the first winter. His daughter, Elizabeth, did survive and later married in New England.
5. DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers
Williams is in only his fourth season as Carolina’s starting running back, yet he has posted 4,574 career rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. His best season came in 2008 when he surpassed 1,500 yards and scored 20 total rushing and receiving touchdowns. Although he has struggled at times with injuries, Williams maintains a 5 yards-per-carry average.
Thomas Williams was a Mayflower passenger and signed the Mayflower Compact. He too died during the first winter, and there are no records of a surviving wife or children.
Mike Patton is an NFL fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on twitter @MikePattonGBS.