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Athletes now need mandatory federation approval before signing with sponsors, says AFI All Indian track-and-field athletes will now have to take prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) before signing any sponsorship agreements, the national governing body has announced.In a circular issued on Thursday, AFI said, “Keeping in mind the best interests of athletes and sponsors, AFI has made it mandatory for athletes to obtain prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India before entering into any agreement or contractual arrangement with any sponsor or third party.”“Sponsors are also advised to proceed with the execution of any agreement only after confirming with AFI that the athlete has obtained the requisite approval. AFI will send the confirmation within 3 days from the date of the request.”The circular was addressed to all state units, chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, JSW Sports, ONGC Sports, Go Sports Foundation, OGQ and any other potential sponsors.AFI ex officio member and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla said that this step had to be taken to protect the athletes: “There are agents who keep bringing top athletes to these private organisations. So, for two months, they’re at one top company and after two months, suddenly they have been brought to another top company. We want to ensure that these private organisations are not being influenced by some mafia agents.“These crook agents, some of them are even coaches, are making money on the side and using athletes as a commodity. We have to respect the athletes. There are people who are giving athletes nothing and signing them on. So, we want to ensure that the athletes are not taken for a ride (sic).”Sumariwalla mentioned that the situation had reached a tipping point where the national cause was taking a hit, forcing AFI to intervene. He said, “For them (private sponsors), they are more important than India. It is their organisation first and India comes later. And that, we cannot allow.”ALSO READ | Outside lane, inside history: M. D. Valsamma and the race that changed Indian athleticsWithout revealing names, the former AFI President gave an example of how, in the past, athletes have lost out on getting the appropriate financial assistance. “I don’t want to get into details but a junior world champion (Neeraj Chopra – men’s javelin throw – and Hima Das – women’s 400m – are the only two Indians who have been junior world champions) was paid a stipend of 15,000 a month, which we did not know. We would have never let them sign it. They would have paid 1.5 lakhs a month but the poor athlete did not know,” said the 68-year-old.The circular mentions that the approval process will take three days but Sumariwalla pointed out that a long contract will require time with the decision-making process involving all stakeholders. “We will try to approve it as fast as possible but if you send me a 30-page contract and I find that things are not okay, then it’s very simple for me to say no but that’s not what we want. Then, we’ll have to call them in for a conversation,” he said.He also debunked the myth that the time taken by the approval process could cost the athlete a potential deal as the sponsors may back out. “No athlete is going to be sponsored by a private party who does not have employment with railways or police or services or somewhere. That’s the first point of entry,” he opined.Welcoming the move, Rahul Trehan, Chief Operating Officer at IOS Sports & Entertainment, said, “In certain cases, the agreements are not balanced. Athletes don’t have the termination clause but the agencies do. So, if the governing body of that particular sport is doing this to maintain a balance between the athlete and (the sponsors) and to oversee the things, it is fine.”However, Manisha Malhotra, the president of Inspire Institute of Sport (a high performance training centre run by JSW Sports), argued that athletes should have the right to make the decision about what’s right for them. She said, “I don’t agree with federations trying to control athletes. Those days are far gone. Athletes should be allowed to make choices out of their own free will.“A federation can definitely advise an athlete of what they think is better for them or not but to dictate terms, I don’t fully agree with that whole thing but it is what it is. The flip side of that is that athletes are taking the system for a ride and maybe they’re trying to govern it in that way. So, there’s merit on both accounts. We’ll see whether eventually it’s beneficial to sport or not.”On AFI’s decision to be involved in such a capacity in a sponsorship agreement between a private entity and an athlete, Malhotra pointed out that federations in nations with good sporting ecosystems provide a pathway for assistance but not the final approval. “In most other countries where the governance is good, most sponsorship comes through the sports federation. So, while it’s not a direct approval, the sports federations or the Olympic committees are the ones vetting out different sorts of grants.“I don’t think it’s happening in the western countries for sure where you need to ask the permission of a federation if someone can support you.”Published on Apr 04, 2026 #Athletes #mandatory #federation #approval #signing #sponsors #AFI

Athletes now need mandatory federation approval before signing with sponsors, says AFI

All Indian track-and-field athletes will now have to take prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) before signing any sponsorship agreements, the national governing body has announced.

In a circular issued on Thursday, AFI said, “Keeping in mind the best interests of athletes and sponsors, AFI has made it mandatory for athletes to obtain prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India before entering into any agreement or contractual arrangement with any sponsor or third party.”

“Sponsors are also advised to proceed with the execution of any agreement only after confirming with AFI that the athlete has obtained the requisite approval. AFI will send the confirmation within 3 days from the date of the request.”

Athletes now need mandatory federation approval before signing with sponsors, says AFI All Indian track-and-field athletes will now have to take prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) before signing any sponsorship agreements, the national governing body has announced.In a circular issued on Thursday, AFI said, “Keeping in mind the best interests of athletes and sponsors, AFI has made it mandatory for athletes to obtain prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India before entering into any agreement or contractual arrangement with any sponsor or third party.”“Sponsors are also advised to proceed with the execution of any agreement only after confirming with AFI that the athlete has obtained the requisite approval. AFI will send the confirmation within 3 days from the date of the request.”The circular was addressed to all state units, chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, JSW Sports, ONGC Sports, Go Sports Foundation, OGQ and any other potential sponsors.AFI ex officio member and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla said that this step had to be taken to protect the athletes: “There are agents who keep bringing top athletes to these private organisations. So, for two months, they’re at one top company and after two months, suddenly they have been brought to another top company. We want to ensure that these private organisations are not being influenced by some mafia agents.“These crook agents, some of them are even coaches, are making money on the side and using athletes as a commodity. We have to respect the athletes. There are people who are giving athletes nothing and signing them on. So, we want to ensure that the athletes are not taken for a ride (sic).”Sumariwalla mentioned that the situation had reached a tipping point where the national cause was taking a hit, forcing AFI to intervene. He said, “For them (private sponsors), they are more important than India. It is their organisation first and India comes later. And that, we cannot allow.”ALSO READ | Outside lane, inside history: M. D. Valsamma and the race that changed Indian athleticsWithout revealing names, the former AFI President gave an example of how, in the past, athletes have lost out on getting the appropriate financial assistance. “I don’t want to get into details but a junior world champion (Neeraj Chopra – men’s javelin throw – and Hima Das – women’s 400m – are the only two Indians who have been junior world champions) was paid a stipend of 15,000 a month, which we did not know. We would have never let them sign it. They would have paid 1.5 lakhs a month but the poor athlete did not know,” said the 68-year-old.The circular mentions that the approval process will take three days but Sumariwalla pointed out that a long contract will require time with the decision-making process involving all stakeholders. “We will try to approve it as fast as possible but if you send me a 30-page contract and I find that things are not okay, then it’s very simple for me to say no but that’s not what we want. Then, we’ll have to call them in for a conversation,” he said.He also debunked the myth that the time taken by the approval process could cost the athlete a potential deal as the sponsors may back out. “No athlete is going to be sponsored by a private party who does not have employment with railways or police or services or somewhere. That’s the first point of entry,” he opined.Welcoming the move, Rahul Trehan, Chief Operating Officer at IOS Sports & Entertainment, said, “In certain cases, the agreements are not balanced. Athletes don’t have the termination clause but the agencies do. So, if the governing body of that particular sport is doing this to maintain a balance between the athlete and (the sponsors) and to oversee the things, it is fine.”However, Manisha Malhotra, the president of Inspire Institute of Sport (a high performance training centre run by JSW Sports), argued that athletes should have the right to make the decision about what’s right for them. She said, “I don’t agree with federations trying to control athletes. Those days are far gone. Athletes should be allowed to make choices out of their own free will.“A federation can definitely advise an athlete of what they think is better for them or not but to dictate terms, I don’t fully agree with that whole thing but it is what it is. The flip side of that is that athletes are taking the system for a ride and maybe they’re trying to govern it in that way. So, there’s merit on both accounts. We’ll see whether eventually it’s beneficial to sport or not.”On AFI’s decision to be involved in such a capacity in a sponsorship agreement between a private entity and an athlete, Malhotra pointed out that federations in nations with good sporting ecosystems provide a pathway for assistance but not the final approval. “In most other countries where the governance is good, most sponsorship comes through the sports federation. So, while it’s not a direct approval, the sports federations or the Olympic committees are the ones vetting out different sorts of grants.“I don’t think it’s happening in the western countries for sure where you need to ask the permission of a federation if someone can support you.”Published on Apr 04, 2026 #Athletes #mandatory #federation #approval #signing #sponsors #AFI

The circular was addressed to all state units, chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, JSW Sports, ONGC Sports, Go Sports Foundation, OGQ and any other potential sponsors.

AFI ex officio member and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla said that this step had to be taken to protect the athletes: “There are agents who keep bringing top athletes to these private organisations. So, for two months, they’re at one top company and after two months, suddenly they have been brought to another top company. We want to ensure that these private organisations are not being influenced by some mafia agents.

“These crook agents, some of them are even coaches, are making money on the side and using athletes as a commodity. We have to respect the athletes. There are people who are giving athletes nothing and signing them on. So, we want to ensure that the athletes are not taken for a ride (sic).”

Sumariwalla mentioned that the situation had reached a tipping point where the national cause was taking a hit, forcing AFI to intervene. He said, “For them (private sponsors), they are more important than India. It is their organisation first and India comes later. And that, we cannot allow.”

ALSO READ | Outside lane, inside history: M. D. Valsamma and the race that changed Indian athletics

Without revealing names, the former AFI President gave an example of how, in the past, athletes have lost out on getting the appropriate financial assistance. “I don’t want to get into details but a junior world champion (Neeraj Chopra – men’s javelin throw – and Hima Das – women’s 400m – are the only two Indians who have been junior world champions) was paid a stipend of 15,000 a month, which we did not know. We would have never let them sign it. They would have paid 1.5 lakhs a month but the poor athlete did not know,” said the 68-year-old.

The circular mentions that the approval process will take three days but Sumariwalla pointed out that a long contract will require time with the decision-making process involving all stakeholders. “We will try to approve it as fast as possible but if you send me a 30-page contract and I find that things are not okay, then it’s very simple for me to say no but that’s not what we want. Then, we’ll have to call them in for a conversation,” he said.

He also debunked the myth that the time taken by the approval process could cost the athlete a potential deal as the sponsors may back out. “No athlete is going to be sponsored by a private party who does not have employment with railways or police or services or somewhere. That’s the first point of entry,” he opined.

Welcoming the move, Rahul Trehan, Chief Operating Officer at IOS Sports & Entertainment, said, “In certain cases, the agreements are not balanced. Athletes don’t have the termination clause but the agencies do. So, if the governing body of that particular sport is doing this to maintain a balance between the athlete and (the sponsors) and to oversee the things, it is fine.”

However, Manisha Malhotra, the president of Inspire Institute of Sport (a high performance training centre run by JSW Sports), argued that athletes should have the right to make the decision about what’s right for them. She said, “I don’t agree with federations trying to control athletes. Those days are far gone. Athletes should be allowed to make choices out of their own free will.

“A federation can definitely advise an athlete of what they think is better for them or not but to dictate terms, I don’t fully agree with that whole thing but it is what it is. The flip side of that is that athletes are taking the system for a ride and maybe they’re trying to govern it in that way. So, there’s merit on both accounts. We’ll see whether eventually it’s beneficial to sport or not.”

On AFI’s decision to be involved in such a capacity in a sponsorship agreement between a private entity and an athlete, Malhotra pointed out that federations in nations with good sporting ecosystems provide a pathway for assistance but not the final approval. “In most other countries where the governance is good, most sponsorship comes through the sports federation. So, while it’s not a direct approval, the sports federations or the Olympic committees are the ones vetting out different sorts of grants.

“I don’t think it’s happening in the western countries for sure where you need to ask the permission of a federation if someone can support you.”

Published on Apr 04, 2026

#Athletes #mandatory #federation #approval #signing #sponsors #AFI

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

All Indian track-and-field athletes will now have to take prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) before signing any sponsorship agreements, the national governing body has announced.

In a circular issued on Thursday, AFI said, “Keeping in mind the best interests of athletes and sponsors, AFI has made it mandatory for athletes to obtain prior approval from the Athletics Federation of India before entering into any agreement or contractual arrangement with any sponsor or third party.”

“Sponsors are also advised to proceed with the execution of any agreement only after confirming with AFI that the athlete has obtained the requisite approval. AFI will send the confirmation within 3 days from the date of the request.”

The circular was addressed to all state units, chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, JSW Sports, ONGC Sports, Go Sports Foundation, OGQ and any other potential sponsors.

AFI ex officio member and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla said that this step had to be taken to protect the athletes: “There are agents who keep bringing top athletes to these private organisations. So, for two months, they’re at one top company and after two months, suddenly they have been brought to another top company. We want to ensure that these private organisations are not being influenced by some mafia agents.

“These crook agents, some of them are even coaches, are making money on the side and using athletes as a commodity. We have to respect the athletes. There are people who are giving athletes nothing and signing them on. So, we want to ensure that the athletes are not taken for a ride (sic).”

Sumariwalla mentioned that the situation had reached a tipping point where the national cause was taking a hit, forcing AFI to intervene. He said, “For them (private sponsors), they are more important than India. It is their organisation first and India comes later. And that, we cannot allow.”

ALSO READ | Outside lane, inside history: M. D. Valsamma and the race that changed Indian athletics

Without revealing names, the former AFI President gave an example of how, in the past, athletes have lost out on getting the appropriate financial assistance. “I don’t want to get into details but a junior world champion (Neeraj Chopra – men’s javelin throw – and Hima Das – women’s 400m – are the only two Indians who have been junior world champions) was paid a stipend of 15,000 a month, which we did not know. We would have never let them sign it. They would have paid 1.5 lakhs a month but the poor athlete did not know,” said the 68-year-old.

The circular mentions that the approval process will take three days but Sumariwalla pointed out that a long contract will require time with the decision-making process involving all stakeholders. “We will try to approve it as fast as possible but if you send me a 30-page contract and I find that things are not okay, then it’s very simple for me to say no but that’s not what we want. Then, we’ll have to call them in for a conversation,” he said.

He also debunked the myth that the time taken by the approval process could cost the athlete a potential deal as the sponsors may back out. “No athlete is going to be sponsored by a private party who does not have employment with railways or police or services or somewhere. That’s the first point of entry,” he opined.

Welcoming the move, Rahul Trehan, Chief Operating Officer at IOS Sports & Entertainment, said, “In certain cases, the agreements are not balanced. Athletes don’t have the termination clause but the agencies do. So, if the governing body of that particular sport is doing this to maintain a balance between the athlete and (the sponsors) and to oversee the things, it is fine.”

However, Manisha Malhotra, the president of Inspire Institute of Sport (a high performance training centre run by JSW Sports), argued that athletes should have the right to make the decision about what’s right for them. She said, “I don’t agree with federations trying to control athletes. Those days are far gone. Athletes should be allowed to make choices out of their own free will.

“A federation can definitely advise an athlete of what they think is better for them or not but to dictate terms, I don’t fully agree with that whole thing but it is what it is. The flip side of that is that athletes are taking the system for a ride and maybe they’re trying to govern it in that way. So, there’s merit on both accounts. We’ll see whether eventually it’s beneficial to sport or not.”

On AFI’s decision to be involved in such a capacity in a sponsorship agreement between a private entity and an athlete, Malhotra pointed out that federations in nations with good sporting ecosystems provide a pathway for assistance but not the final approval. “In most other countries where the governance is good, most sponsorship comes through the sports federation. So, while it’s not a direct approval, the sports federations or the Olympic committees are the ones vetting out different sorts of grants.

“I don’t think it’s happening in the western countries for sure where you need to ask the permission of a federation if someone can support you.”

Published on Apr 04, 2026

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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