A few things on my Christmas list ...

Dear Santa,

My name is Rhett Manuel. I am a 37-year old boy from Eunice, La. and I have been a good boy this year.
I have always been at work on time, I’ve been a good boyfriend for my wife and my kids haven’t starved. They are both healthy and happy.
I know you get a lot of letters and your elves are probably super busy at the North Pole making toys for little boys and girls that are much smaller than me.
But, if you can afford the time and manpower, I have a few things I’d like for Christmas from sports in 2023. Here is my list …
1. First thing on my list, go figure, is a brand-new John Cena action figure.
2. I would like all the Evangeline Parish sports teams to go undefeated in 2023. I know this is a lot to ask, but you’re magical and I know you can pull it off.
3. I would like season tickets for the Saints in 2023. I know that’s normally a lot to ask because of the waiting list. But, Coach Allen is making a lot of us hate the team so I think you actually may be able to pull this one off next year.
4. While you’re at it, please get the Saints a new coach. One that knows what he’s doing, preferably. Thanks, big guy.
5. This isn’t something I want, but something I want to thank you for. Thank you for Coach Kelly at LSU. He seems like a swell addition to the fam-uh-lee and he only has one girlfriend. So, that’s pretty neat.
6. Please let the Pelicans continue their hot streak. I can tell Zion Williamson has been eating his red beans and rice and it’s really helping his on-court play.
7. Please give me that 4.4-second 40-yard dash I’ve been asking for since I was 15. This is finally the year. I can feel it.
8. I would like some more Coach Prime soundbites … they are my favorite.
9. Please Santa, I don’t ask for a lot, but if you can please get me Carlos Correa’s new contract.
10. While we’re at it and talking about baseball, another Astros World Series would be well. But, if you can’t, please get another one for Mr. Tony’s Cubs.
11. Please let LSU baseball follow up on the hype for my dad.
12. A Blake Bortles jersey.
13. A Brian Scalabrine jersey.
14. Bring back Kobe Bryant. He had a lot left to offer in the second act of his life.
15. Lastly, if you can’t get any of those, I just want the kids and coaches of Evangeline Parish to feel supported and loved by those around them.
Thanks for all you do, Santa.
I’m leaving milk and cookies on my island Christmas Eve. Don’t screw this up.

Your best bud, Rhett.