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Five WWE Superstars in the Spotlight Ahead of Wrestlemania | Deadspin.com We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.The Ring General GuntherGunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.The Genius of the Sky Iyo SkyFor a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.Whoop that TrickThe aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.CelebritiesAlright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.The Ruler is HereOba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.AJ LeeThe Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see. #WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

Five WWE Superstars in the Spotlight Ahead of Wrestlemania | Deadspin.com

We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. 

Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.

Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!

Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.

The Ring General Gunther

Gunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. 

On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.

The Genius of the Sky Iyo Sky

For a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.

Whoop that Trick

The aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.

Celebrities

Alright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. 

Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?

To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.

The Ruler is Here

Oba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.

AJ Lee

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.

Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.

Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.

We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see.

#WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

Sports news

We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. 

Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.

Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!

Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.

The Ring General Gunther

Gunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. 

On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.

The Genius of the Sky Iyo Sky

For a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.

Whoop that Trick

The aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.

Celebrities

Alright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. 

Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?

To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.

The Ruler is Here

Oba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.

AJ Lee

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.

Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.

Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.

We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see.

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#WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

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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 #homePro 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

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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