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Three College Football Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026 | Deadspin.com Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidatesVirginia TechIf you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.Oklahoma State Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.FloridaJon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1. #College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.com

Three College Football Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026 | Deadspin.com
Three College Football Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026 | Deadspin.com Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidatesVirginia TechIf you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.Oklahoma State Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.FloridaJon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1. #College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.comNov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.

Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.

That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.

Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidates

Virginia Tech

If you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.

That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.

With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.

It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.

He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.

Oklahoma State


Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesOct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.

He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.

All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.

His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.

It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.

Florida

Jon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.

He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.

Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.

On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1.

#College #Football #Teams #Poised #Breakout #Seasons #Deadspin.com

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Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin during the press conference at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

This new era of college football can lead to some incredibly quick turnarounds.

Look no further than Curt Cignetti taking Indiana from the losingest program in college football history to national champions in two seasons.

That’s not the standard, obviously, but it goes to show what financial support paired with strong transfer-portal recruiting can do to flip over a roster.

Once again this season, there should be a number of teams poised to make shocking leaps forward in 2026. Here’s a look at three candidates

Virginia Tech

If you’re older than 35 or so, you remember Virginia Tech’s flash-in-the-pan run to a national championship loss to Florida State in 1999.

That was a part of an extended best run in program history which saw the Hokies win double-digit games in 13 seasons over a 17-year span from 1995-2011 — including eight straight to end that run.

With just one 10-win season in 14 years since, that consistency is long gone as Virginia Tech’s future in the sport hangs in the balance. Trying to ensure it won’t be left behind, the school hired former Vanderbilt and Penn State coach James Franklin this offseason and committed financially to football like never before.

It ended poorly for Franklin in Happy Valley, but he has a track record of exactly the consistency the Hokies are looking for. He won 10-plus games six times, including a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.

He also brought a number of Penn State players and commits with him to Blacksburg. It may not happen right away but don’t be surprised if Virginia Tech takes a leap forward in 2026.

Oklahoma State

Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Another new coach who brought some major weapons with him to his new school is Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.

He had the national leader in passing yards (Drew Mestemaker with 4,379), the national leader in rushing touchdowns (Caleb Hawkins with 25) and a top-three receiver in yards (Wyatt Young with 1,264 and 10 touchdowns) at North Texas last season.

All of them followed him to Stillwater for his debut season with the Cowboys.

His high-powered North Texas offense was best in the country last year in offensive SP+ — no easy task considering the metric factors in opponent difficulty.

It will be fascinating to watch how he and his tagging-along players adjust to a steep increase in difficulty moving up to the Big 12. But it seems to be exactly what the Cowboys need as a follow-up act for Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in program history who won just four games his last two seasons.

Florida

Jon Sumrall is also making a leap up, leaving Tulane for Florida.

He arrives in the Southeastern Conference with a 43-12 career record at Troy and Tulane the last four seasons. And he arrives at a school desperate to once more be a winner, with two national titles this century but also just one winning season in the last five.

Sumrall brought on accomplished Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the same role, retained star running back Jaden Baugh and landed a host of transfers, including four from Georgia Tech and standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Auburn.

On paper, the pieces look good. How they come together will determine how big a jump the Gators make in Year 1.

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Carrick hints at possible Mainoo return for Manchester United vs Chelsea Premier League clash <div id="content-body-70874319" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said he was disappointed to be without suspended centre-backs Lisandro ​Martinez and Harry Maguire in Saturday’s Premier League 2025-26 game at ‌Chelsea, with both teams eyeing a Champions League spot.</p><p>Martinez ​was sent off during Monday’s 2-1 loss ⁠at home to Leeds United for pulling striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. The Argentina international later got a three-match ban.</p><p>Maguire, sent off during ‌a draw at Bournemouth last month, was given a one-match ban by the FA on Wednesday.</p><p>“The decisions ‌have been made, something that we’re really disappointed ‌with ⁠in many ways, but we’ve got to move ⁠on now, and that’s what we’ll do,” Carrick told reporters on Friday.</p><p>“It is what it is, we’ve been hit with some decisions but we ​have to accept it and ‌move on,” he added.</p><p>However, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been injured for over two weeks, could return on Saturday, Carrick said. “Kobbie has done little bits, we’re working towards it. There’s ‌a decision to be made there,” he noted.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/saka-injury-news-arsenal-vs-manchester-city-premier-league-title-race-decider/article70874269.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arteta rules out Saka for Arsenal vs Manchester City clash</a></b></p><p>United, ​third in the league, has won only one of its last four matches, but Carrick said ⁠his team can take heart from its performance under pressure in recent games.</p><p>Carrick’s side fought back with 10 men against ‌Leeds, scoring a second-half goal before falling short.</p><p>“We didn’t get the result we wanted against Leeds, but the way we finished the game and the character we showed, we have to take that into this game with an extra player,” he said.</p><p>Chelsea, four points below the top five, has also struggled over the last month, losing five of its six matches ​in all competitions, including three straight Premier League losses.</p><p>But Carrick said he expected a tough game, ⁠with United being winless at Stamford Bridge since February 2020.</p><p>“It’s a ⁠tough place to go, always has been. We’ve had some tough games down there. It has ‌the feelings of a real, proper game, so we’ll be ready for that. We’ve prepared well and take ​the confidence from what we’ve built,” he said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Carrick #hints #Mainoo #return #Manchester #United #Chelsea #Premier #League #clash

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Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open 2026 <div id="content-body-70874427" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Carlos Alcaraz announced on Friday his withdrawal from next week’s Madrid Masters, just two days after the 22-year-old Spaniard was forced to pull out of the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury.</p><p>“Madrid is home, it is one of the most special dates on my calendar and that is why it pains me so much to not be able to play there for a second successive year,” he posted on social media.</p><p><i>More to follow…</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Carlos #Alcaraz #withdraws #Madrid #Open

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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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