Thanksgiving is a time for giving, and a time to be thankful for all your life’s blessings. Kelli of the Houston Texans Cheerleaders is one of the several that travel many hours to make it home to be with family and friends for the Holidays. Being that Kelli is not only a Houston Texans Cheerleader, but also a full-time student, it makes tough to get back home as often as she would like, so she is taking full advantage of this Holiday season to be around the people that she is so thankful for. I have asked Kelli a few questions to dig a little deeper to learn about her traditions and her appreciations.
Q: What is your Thanksgiving Tradition?
A: I grew up on a working ranch outside of Fort Stockton in the middle of nowhere! I have two brothers, Mark and Jake, and two sisters, Kristi and Kati, (lots of K’s). I also have a brother and sister-in-law, so there are many of us around the Thanksgiving table, including other family, friends and neighbors. We have an old ranch homestead complete with rattlesnakes, deer, javelina, bobcats and an occasional mountain lion or black bear! My family does a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and after the blessing, which my dad says we proceed to stuff ourselves like butterballs! To undo the massive calorie overload we choose teams (the first two people to volunteer are the captains) and all generations, men and women play football. We take no survivors, it’s every man, woman and child for themselves! Then those still standing go for a “Turkey Trot” hike and have a shooting contest. Sometimes we shoot skeet, sometimes its targets. Keep in mind we all hunt, we all own guns and the women can shoot as good as the men! From Winchesters to Glocks and .22’s to double barrel shotguns (which knock me off my feet), we have a “BLAST” & “Luck Be a Turkey” maybe I’ll win this year! Kati is my fiercest competition, she’d be a great Army sniper! Then it’s on to leftovers and watching NFL football and our annual kickoff to Christmas is to watch Christmas Vacation!
Q: What is your Favorite dish on Thanksgiving day?
A: My favorite Thanksgiving dish is the butterball turkey, which my mom and I thaw, season and cook annually. When I was younger my grandfather taught me how to carve the turkey and now I can’t find anyone to cover! I’ve never met a turkey I couldn’t carve in under 5 minutes! The trick is to have all of your different vegetables, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy cooked, rolls baked, ice in glasses and turkey carved and served while hot. Just like a football, snap timing is essential in a touchdown Thanksgiving meal! Never fear Kelli and her electric knife are here!
Q: What are you most thankful about being with the Texans?
A: I’m most thankful for the lifelong friendships I’ve made with my sister HTC’s. The opportunity to meet so many fantastic Texans fans and cheering for our wonderful team has truly been a humbling experience. I am honored to be a Houston Texans cheerleader!
Q: What are you most Thankful for in your life?
A: Simply put, I’m most thankful for my family, my friends and my faith in God. They see me through each and every day!
Q: Which player on the Texans are you most thankful for?
A: I’m thankful and proud of all our players! J.J. Watt who had his rookie season the same year I did and is a new team captain currently stands out on a national level with his defensive talent (Sacks and Swatts!) His philanthropic foundation gives back and helps countless young people. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson both have standout NFL records and community efforts here in Houston. Shaun Cody and Connor Barwin give us great comedic relief with “On the Nose”. Our talented team members are all assets, paving the road to Super Bowl XLVII and I’ll be there cheering them on! Go Texans! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
