Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday. The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday. “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.” Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta. “It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.” Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings. “You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.” Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year. “Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.” Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday. Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA. The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph. “Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.” In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies
Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Sports news April 16, 2026

Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Ayush Shetty: Asian Championship run gives me confidence that I can maintain level for longer period <div id="content-body-70870302" itemprop="articleBody">Last month, when India’s squad for the Thomas & Uber Cup was announced, Ayush Shetty was a young-and-upcoming 20-year-old who was getting his maiden call up.When India takes to the court in Denmark from April 24, he will be its most in-form player, having made a stirring run to the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) final in China last week.He has broken into the world’s top-20 and there will be expectations galore. But he is confidence personified, despite 2026 being only his second full year on the senior circuit.“My expectations [from myself] are always high, and I take people’s expectations as a challenge,” Ayush said at the Centre for Badminton Excellence here on Thursday.“When I won the Super 300 [U.S. Open in 2025], I did not see it as a surprise. Even when I got a confirmed medal at the Asian Championship, I believed that I could win the tournament,” the World No. 18 added.This confidence manifested in three straight victories over top-10 players at BAC – the then World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, No. 4 Jonatan Christie and No. 7 Li Shi Feng.“I had never beaten three top-10 players,” stated Ayush, who was No. 25 then. “It has always been like one victory [over an elite player] and then a loss. This run gives me the confidence that I can maintain my level for a longer period. Even my second round opponent Chi Yu Jen (No. 20) was a very tricky player.“Going into the All England [in early March], I felt that I was at my 100%. But the results were different (first round defeat). That is why BAC was important – to keep my confidence and belief high.”The one dull moment in an otherwise golden few days for Ayush was the retirement on Tuesday of double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, whom he idolises and has even trained with in Dubai.“It’s a bit sad. I always wanted him to retire on the court. He deserved it,” said Ayush about the great Dane who last played competitively in October 2025.“I had told him in 2024 that we will play [competitively] soon. He said ‘sure, I have a couple of more years’. I will always have the regret that I could never play him.”Published on Apr 16, 2026</div> #Ayush #Shetty #Asian #Championship #run #confidence #maintain #level #longer #period

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

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

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

Published on Aug 09, 2026

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