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No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).Magic 123, Pistons 107Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win

No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win

Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win

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Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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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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