Deadspin | White Sox, red-hot Munetaka Murakami present challenge for Diamondbacks Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood. The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix. Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League. The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season. Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far. “Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters. Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet. “I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.” Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet. “I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said. Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play. “I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for $60 million. “I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.” The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season. The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s. Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks. His takeaway? “That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way. “The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.” Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline. Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #Diamondbacks

Deadspin | White Sox, red-hot Munetaka Murakami present challenge for Diamondbacks
Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood.

The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix.

Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League.

The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season.

Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far.

“Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters.

Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet.

“I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.”

Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet.

“I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said.

Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play.

“I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for $60 million.

“I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.”

The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s.

Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks.

His takeaway?

“That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way.

“The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.”

Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline.

Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #Diamondbacks

Sports news April 21, 2026

Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood.

The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix.

Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League.

The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season.

Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far.

“Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters.

Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet.

“I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.”

Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet.

“I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said.

Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play.

“I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for $60 million.

“I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.”

The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s.

Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks.

His takeaway?

“That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way.

“The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.”

Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline.

Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #Diamondbacks

Buffalo Rumblings selects C.J. Allen for Buffalo Bills in 20th annual SB Nation community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-c76b1dea-f2a0-419c-9237-fe2da5e1a2aa">C.J. Allen, LB, GeorgiaA trade with the Houston Texans sent the Bills back to 28 from their original selection point of 26, while also gaining pick 141 (Round 5) in the process. The Bills need to address the elephant in the room, which is a lack of talent along the defensive front seven. Some of that is due to attrition, namely linebacker Matt Milano who’s return is anything but guaranteed. With a huge run on the wide receiver position, the smart play was for Buffalo to add a heck of a ball player who should make an immediate impact — that being linebacker C.J. Allen. A physical, three-down ‘backer with coveted intangible traits, Allen has a chance to become a real force out of the gate wearing the green dot with the Bills. Buffalo is undergoing a huge overhaul on defense under first-time defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While a hybrid system is expected for 2026, the goal remains a shift to a 3-4 base system. Allen will provide the Bills with set-it-and-forget-it reliability at MIKE. He’s one of the draft’s most technically proficient linebackers, and someone dripping with football instincts.</div> #Buffalo #Rumblings #selects #C.J #Allen #Buffalo #Bills #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft

#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">