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Deadspin | NHL roundup: Knights rally past Kraken to clinch Pacific Division Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas. It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado. Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO) Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo. Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots. Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1 Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams. Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0. William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves. Panthers 8, Red Wings 1 Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla. Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers. Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck. Rangers 4, Lightning 2 Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots. Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2 Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose. Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1). Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #Division

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Knights rally past Kraken to clinch Pacific Division
Deadspin | NHL roundup: Knights rally past Kraken to clinch Pacific Division Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas. It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado. Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO) Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo. Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots. Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1 Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams. Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0. William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves. Panthers 8, Red Wings 1 Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla. Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers. Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck. Rangers 4, Lightning 2 Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots. Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2 Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose. Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1). Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #DivisionApr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.

Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo.

Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves.

Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots.

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0.

William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves.


Panthers 8, Red Wings 1

Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla.

Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers.

Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck.

Rangers 4, Lightning 2

Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots.

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #Division

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Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.

Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo.

Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves.

Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots.

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0.

William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves.

Panthers 8, Red Wings 1

Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla.

Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers.

Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck.

Rangers 4, Lightning 2

Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots.

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg.

–Field Level Media

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4 NFL Draft bold predictions for 2026 class on QBs, sleepers, and more <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The 2026 NFL Draft is just over one week away.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Let’s start getting spicy.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Schofield and James Dator sat down to make their bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, and as you will see, they are not exactly on the same page when it comes to one position in particular.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And where they land might surprise you.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">KC Concepcion is the second WR off the board – James</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This flies in the face of every draft projection, but the more tape I watch the more I’m <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1110299/kc-concepcion-nfl-draft-scouting-report-riser-first-round">convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL</a> – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is <em>fine</em> if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – James</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – Mark</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Before diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Food for thought, indeed.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/albert-breer-takeaways-prospect-who-makes-sense-for-jets-nfl-draft-2026#inline-text-59">Albert Breer wrote</a> this earlier this week:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1"><em>The 2027 class affects that, too. </em>The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.</p><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.</p></blockquote></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from <em>Yahoo </em>analyst Nate Tice:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Defending the run might matter again.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">More safeties than quarterback go in the first — Mark</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers

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Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series <div id="content-body-70869098" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.</p><p>Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.</p><p>The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.</p><p>“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.</p><p>India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.</p><p>Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.</p><p><b>READ PREVIEW | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/womens-cricket/india-vs-south-africa-womens-t20i-a-series-that-arrives-with-context-attached/article70832862.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached</a></b></p><p>“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.</p><p>“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.</p><p>“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.</p><p>“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”</p><p>Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.</p><p>“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/m7n6e6/article70869258.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2262781549.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/m7n6e6/article70869258.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2262781549.jpg" alt="India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka." title="India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p></div><p>Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.</p><p>“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.</p><p>Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.</p><p>“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.</p><p>On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.</p><p>She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series

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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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