2025 NFL Redraft: How the Top 10 Picks Would Change One Year Later | Deadspin.com Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images First-time GM Mike Borgonzi confessed last spring that his mind was made up months before the Tennessee Titans turned in a card with Cam Ward’s name on it as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.But how many teams behind him feel the same way about the pick they made in the top 10 last April?Let’s investigate how 11 and a half months might have impacted hindsight in the ’25 draft. Here’s what the top 10 might look like if a re-do was possible.Tennessee Titans Cam Ward, QB, MiamiWard learned — and felt — about the pressure of being the true center of a long-term rebuild. He has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks from his draft class due to a flexible arm and great athleticism.Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, MissouriA costly trade put the Jaguars in this spot instead of the Browns. Jacksonville swung from the fences and Heisman winner Travis Hunter served up an incomplete grade as a rookie. He ended the season on IR and never fully settled at wide receiver or cornerback. The Jaguars succeeded despite an offensive line that would’ve been far better with Membou in front of Trevor Lawrence, who found plenty of capable hands to throw to sans Hunter.3. New York Giants: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Abdul Carter’s undeniable ceiling is greatness. His maturity, physically and emotionally, was a negative last season. Bringing in McMillan would mean Jaxson Dart would get another trusted wide receiver. A pairing with Malik Nabers would be dynamic given their skills in contested-catch situations.New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks, OT, TexasWill Campbell didn’t end the season on a high note. Banks was comparable most of the year but by the end of the season, Banks was clearly closer to being a foundational pass blocker.Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, MichiganGraham was hell on wheels for interior linemen to account for as Myles Garrett stormed the pocket off the edge. He can create interior pressure and wasn’t easy to block one-on-one as a rookie.Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ashton Jeanty was a non-factor because the Raiders were always playing catchup and trying to do so with a suspect offensive line and shaky quarterback. Carter would have filled a traditional foundational need and provided some help in pass rush to benefit Maxx Crosby and a shaky secondary.New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSUMembou was a big hit, but he’s off the board in this exercise. Campbell was solid before tapering off near the end of the season but might’ve been better on the right side for the Jets.Carolina Panthers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLAThe Defensive Rookie of the Year talent at the LB position would have been a big hit with GM Dan Morgan, who was a similar type of player in his prime with Carolina.9. New Orleans Saints: Nick Emmanwori, S, South CarolinaThroughly thrilled with Banks as a rookie, if he was gone, the Saints might’ve looked at skill position talent. Or someone like Emmanwori to deploy in a defensive chess piece role. He lived in the box for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganWhat’s not to love? Loveland over Tyler Warren was one of the draft’s surprises in the top half of the first round. Warren did just fine with the Colts but Loveland was better. #NFL #Redraft #Top #Picks #Change #Year #Deadspin.com

2025 NFL Redraft: How the Top 10 Picks Would Change One Year Later | Deadspin.com
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

First-time GM Mike Borgonzi confessed last spring that his mind was made up months before the Tennessee Titans turned in a card with Cam Ward’s name on it as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But how many teams behind him feel the same way about the pick they made in the top 10 last April?
Let’s investigate how 11 and a half months might have impacted hindsight in the ’25 draft. Here’s what the top 10 might look like if a re-do was possible.
Tennessee Titans Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward learned — and felt — about the pressure of being the true center of a long-term rebuild. He has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks from his draft class due to a flexible arm and great athleticism.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
A costly trade put the Jaguars in this spot instead of the Browns. Jacksonville swung from the fences and Heisman winner Travis Hunter served up an incomplete grade as a rookie. He ended the season on IR and never fully settled at wide receiver or cornerback. The Jaguars succeeded despite an offensive line that would’ve been far better with Membou in front of Trevor Lawrence, who found plenty of capable hands to throw to sans Hunter.
3. New York Giants: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Abdul Carter’s undeniable ceiling is greatness. His maturity, physically and emotionally, was a negative last season. Bringing in McMillan would mean Jaxson Dart would get another trusted wide receiver. A pairing with Malik Nabers would be dynamic given their skills in contested-catch situations.
New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Will Campbell didn’t end the season on a high note. Banks was comparable most of the year but by the end of the season, Banks was clearly closer to being a foundational pass blocker.
Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham was hell on wheels for interior linemen to account for as Myles Garrett stormed the pocket off the edge. He can create interior pressure and wasn’t easy to block one-on-one as a rookie.
Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty was a non-factor because the Raiders were always playing catchup and trying to do so with a suspect offensive line and shaky quarterback. Carter would have filled a traditional foundational need and provided some help in pass rush to benefit Maxx Crosby and a shaky secondary.
New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Membou was a big hit, but he’s off the board in this exercise. Campbell was solid before tapering off near the end of the season but might’ve been better on the right side for the Jets.
Carolina Panthers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
The Defensive Rookie of the Year talent at the LB position would have been a big hit with GM Dan Morgan, who was a similar type of player in his prime with Carolina.
9. New Orleans Saints: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Throughly thrilled with Banks as a rookie, if he was gone, the Saints might’ve looked at skill position talent. Or someone like Emmanwori to deploy in a defensive chess piece role. He lived in the box for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
What’s not to love? Loveland over Tyler Warren was one of the draft’s surprises in the top half of the first round. Warren did just fine with the Colts but Loveland was better.

#NFL #Redraft #Top #Picks #Change #Year #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 10, 2026

Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

First-time GM Mike Borgonzi confessed last spring that his mind was made up months before the Tennessee Titans turned in a card with Cam Ward’s name on it as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But how many teams behind him feel the same way about the pick they made in the top 10 last April?

Let’s investigate how 11 and a half months might have impacted hindsight in the ’25 draft. Here’s what the top 10 might look like if a re-do was possible.

Tennessee Titans Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Ward learned — and felt — about the pressure of being the true center of a long-term rebuild. He has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks from his draft class due to a flexible arm and great athleticism.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

A costly trade put the Jaguars in this spot instead of the Browns. Jacksonville swung from the fences and Heisman winner Travis Hunter served up an incomplete grade as a rookie. He ended the season on IR and never fully settled at wide receiver or cornerback. The Jaguars succeeded despite an offensive line that would’ve been far better with Membou in front of Trevor Lawrence, who found plenty of capable hands to throw to sans Hunter.

3. New York Giants: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Abdul Carter’s undeniable ceiling is greatness. His maturity, physically and emotionally, was a negative last season. Bringing in McMillan would mean Jaxson Dart would get another trusted wide receiver. A pairing with Malik Nabers would be dynamic given their skills in contested-catch situations.

New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Will Campbell didn’t end the season on a high note. Banks was comparable most of the year but by the end of the season, Banks was clearly closer to being a foundational pass blocker.

Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Graham was hell on wheels for interior linemen to account for as Myles Garrett stormed the pocket off the edge. He can create interior pressure and wasn’t easy to block one-on-one as a rookie.

Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty was a non-factor because the Raiders were always playing catchup and trying to do so with a suspect offensive line and shaky quarterback. Carter would have filled a traditional foundational need and provided some help in pass rush to benefit Maxx Crosby and a shaky secondary.

New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Membou was a big hit, but he’s off the board in this exercise. Campbell was solid before tapering off near the end of the season but might’ve been better on the right side for the Jets.

Carolina Panthers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

The Defensive Rookie of the Year talent at the LB position would have been a big hit with GM Dan Morgan, who was a similar type of player in his prime with Carolina.

9. New Orleans Saints: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Throughly thrilled with Banks as a rookie, if he was gone, the Saints might’ve looked at skill position talent. Or someone like Emmanwori to deploy in a defensive chess piece role. He lived in the box for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

What’s not to love? Loveland over Tyler Warren was one of the draft’s surprises in the top half of the first round. Warren did just fine with the Colts but Loveland was better.

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#NFL #Redraft #Top #Picks #Change #Year #Deadspin.com

Travis Hunter won’t be the NFL’s Shohei Ohtani after Jaguars’ position change <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The position switch is understandable, but doesn’t change the fundamental reality facing the Jaguars: Travis Hunter could very well be a bust, and at best they grossly overpaid for a cornerback.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We only got an extremely small sample size of Hunter at corner last season before he suffered a season-ending LCL tear in October, and he was … fine. Targeted 18 times in 101 snaps at cornerback, he allowed nine catches for 106 yards with 29 yards of YAC. Hunter looked much more comfortable playing corner than receiver when it came to the eye test, but the Jaguars tapered off his number of defensive snaps as the season went on, choosing to use him more as a receiver than a defensive back.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The lingering question for the Jaguars coaching staff is whether this focus on Hunter as a receiver was simply due to a sophomore slump from Brian Thomas Jr, or if they didn’t like what they were seeing from the rookie at DB?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s no question we need to recalibrate the expectations for Hunter moving forward. The idea of him being a starting corner and slot receiver are gone, now replaced with offensive usage on “obvious passing downs,” which could still see him put up numbers — but more likely means he’ll only see 5-to-7 offensive snaps per game. It also remains to be seen if Hunter can be an offensive asset in this role, or more of a liability — especially if opposing defenses can learn cues about the Jaguars’ passing attack simply by seeing Hunter enter the game.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If the reality is that Hunter is simply the highest-drafted cornerback in NFL history, then there will be a <em>mountain</em> to climb to justify both the No. 2 overall pick, as well as the cost to trade up to get him. While far from a perfect analytic method, <a href="https://www.pff.com/news/why-travis-hunters-full-time-switch-to-cornerback-aligns-with-pff-grades">Pro Football Focus graded Hunter 73.2 on defense last year</a>, which would have made him the 22nd-ranked cornerback in the league last year. That’s simply not good enough moving forward, and Hunter will need to show Top-10 ability as a DB to make the pick worth it.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The whole conversation around Travis Hunter has now pivoted. Instead of being a generational, Deion Sanders-esque two-way player, we’re now needing to ratchet back in expectations and wonder if he’s trending closer to being a jack of all trades, master of none in the NFL. Offensively last season we saw a receiver who didn’t have the polish to take the top off NFL defenses, and at corner there was a mixed bag of success and failure.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Jacksonville figures to be a very good team in 2026 regardless of what happens with Travis Hunter. It remains to be seen though whether he can be an additive piece, or whether this could result in a massive misstep. There is a simple reality here that the Jaguars spent two picks to get a WR and CB in one player, when they could have sat at No. 5 last year, taken Tetairoa McMillan or Emeka Egbuka at WR, and then used this year’s pick to get a corner — potentially even make the trade for Trent McDuffie that the Rams did, offering better draft picks in the process.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Through that lens it’s impossible to see how the Travis Hunter move was worth it.</p></div> #Travis #Hunter #wont #NFLs #Shohei #Ohtani #Jaguars #position #change

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">

mwasimuddin125 0

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.

When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.

When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">

Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

mwasimuddin125 0

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.
The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.
The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.
That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.
On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.
Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.
But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.
I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.
One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.
In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.
There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.
I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.
Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">

TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.
TOSS
Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.
PLAYING XIs
Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker
Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan
Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

Tennessee Titans Cam Ward, QB, Miami

3. New York Giants: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Carolina Panthers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

9. New Orleans Saints: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

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