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CSK vs KKR, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders clash looking to jump up from last place The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached the 21-match mark, with each team having played four games. The tournament’s traditional heavyweights find themselves in uncharted territory.The points table tells a bizarre story of shifting power: the teams currently in the top half share only three titles between them, while the bottom half contains a staggering 14 trophies’ worth of experience.On Tuesday, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium hosts a make-or-break fixture between two of these struggling giants. The home side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), sits at a precarious ninth place, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) languish at the bottom with a solitary point from four outings.PowerPlay woesCSK finally halted a gruelling six-match home losing streak with a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals last time out. The victory was fuelled by Sanju Samson’s maiden century in yellow—a long-awaited return on investment for the high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals—and a sharp bowling performance led by Jamie Overton.However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form is a glaring liability. With just 56 runs at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103, his ultra-cautious PowerPlay approach has stifled the team’s momentum.ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings fixtures swapped owing to municipal electionsPromoting the fearless Ayush Mhatre to open while shifting Gaikwad to the number three spot could provide the spark currently lacking in the first six overs.Furthermore, while Dewald Brevis only contributed a couple of catches in his return, his presence in the middle order offers a higher ceiling for a unit desperate for high-impact players in the absence of MS Dhoni.On the bowling front, the inclusion of West Indian Akeal Hosein has paid dividends. He replaced a struggling Matt Henry and has provided a quick fix for CSK’s PowerPlay bowling. With support from Overton and Anshul Kamboj, the bowling unit seems to have finally taken shape.Searching for solutionsKKR’s problems are equally systemic. While Finn Allen provides a fear factor with a strike rate north of 200, his frequent early exits have forced Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to rebuild rather than accelerate.The middle-order finishers have also gone cold: Rinku Singh has managed just 72 runs this season, while Rovman Powell has contributed only 39. The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The imbalance is deepened by Cameron Green’s lack of rhythm with the bat. Additionally, the game against Lucknow Super Giants was the first time he bowled this season, and he conceded 28 runs in two overs. KKR ended up on the losing side as Mukul Choudhary pulled off a heist in a last-ball thriller.While Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani have shown sparks, the bowling unit has appeared sub-par without consistent spin support. The spinners have returned with just five wickets in 24.1 overs and have conceded at 9.26 runs per over thus far this season.Adding to the visitor’s woes, Varun Chakaravarthy remains a doubt following a finger injury during the Sunrisers Hyderabad game, though he has returned to training.Come Tuesday, the fixture represents more than just two points for the teams. It provides them with a crucial opportunity to stabilise their campaigns and stay relevant in the playoff conversation.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #CSK #KKR #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #clash #jump #place

CSK vs KKR, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders clash looking to jump up from last place

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached the 21-match mark, with each team having played four games. The tournament’s traditional heavyweights find themselves in uncharted territory.

The points table tells a bizarre story of shifting power: the teams currently in the top half share only three titles between them, while the bottom half contains a staggering 14 trophies’ worth of experience.

On Tuesday, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium hosts a make-or-break fixture between two of these struggling giants. The home side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), sits at a precarious ninth place, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) languish at the bottom with a solitary point from four outings.

PowerPlay woes

CSK finally halted a gruelling six-match home losing streak with a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals last time out. The victory was fuelled by Sanju Samson’s maiden century in yellow—a long-awaited return on investment for the high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals—and a sharp bowling performance led by Jamie Overton.

However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form is a glaring liability. With just 56 runs at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103, his ultra-cautious PowerPlay approach has stifled the team’s momentum.

ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings fixtures swapped owing to municipal elections

Promoting the fearless Ayush Mhatre to open while shifting Gaikwad to the number three spot could provide the spark currently lacking in the first six overs.

Furthermore, while Dewald Brevis only contributed a couple of catches in his return, his presence in the middle order offers a higher ceiling for a unit desperate for high-impact players in the absence of MS Dhoni.

On the bowling front, the inclusion of West Indian Akeal Hosein has paid dividends. He replaced a struggling Matt Henry and has provided a quick fix for CSK’s PowerPlay bowling. With support from Overton and Anshul Kamboj, the bowling unit seems to have finally taken shape.

Searching for solutions

KKR’s problems are equally systemic. While Finn Allen provides a fear factor with a strike rate north of 200, his frequent early exits have forced Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to rebuild rather than accelerate.

The middle-order finishers have also gone cold: Rinku Singh has managed just 72 runs this season, while Rovman Powell has contributed only 39.

CSK vs KKR, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders clash looking to jump up from last place The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached the 21-match mark, with each team having played four games. The tournament’s traditional heavyweights find themselves in uncharted territory.The points table tells a bizarre story of shifting power: the teams currently in the top half share only three titles between them, while the bottom half contains a staggering 14 trophies’ worth of experience.On Tuesday, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium hosts a make-or-break fixture between two of these struggling giants. The home side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), sits at a precarious ninth place, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) languish at the bottom with a solitary point from four outings.PowerPlay woesCSK finally halted a gruelling six-match home losing streak with a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals last time out. The victory was fuelled by Sanju Samson’s maiden century in yellow—a long-awaited return on investment for the high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals—and a sharp bowling performance led by Jamie Overton.However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form is a glaring liability. With just 56 runs at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103, his ultra-cautious PowerPlay approach has stifled the team’s momentum.ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings fixtures swapped owing to municipal electionsPromoting the fearless Ayush Mhatre to open while shifting Gaikwad to the number three spot could provide the spark currently lacking in the first six overs.Furthermore, while Dewald Brevis only contributed a couple of catches in his return, his presence in the middle order offers a higher ceiling for a unit desperate for high-impact players in the absence of MS Dhoni.On the bowling front, the inclusion of West Indian Akeal Hosein has paid dividends. He replaced a struggling Matt Henry and has provided a quick fix for CSK’s PowerPlay bowling. With support from Overton and Anshul Kamboj, the bowling unit seems to have finally taken shape.Searching for solutionsKKR’s problems are equally systemic. While Finn Allen provides a fear factor with a strike rate north of 200, his frequent early exits have forced Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to rebuild rather than accelerate.The middle-order finishers have also gone cold: Rinku Singh has managed just 72 runs this season, while Rovman Powell has contributed only 39. The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The imbalance is deepened by Cameron Green’s lack of rhythm with the bat. Additionally, the game against Lucknow Super Giants was the first time he bowled this season, and he conceded 28 runs in two overs. KKR ended up on the losing side as Mukul Choudhary pulled off a heist in a last-ball thriller.While Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani have shown sparks, the bowling unit has appeared sub-par without consistent spin support. The spinners have returned with just five wickets in 24.1 overs and have conceded at 9.26 runs per over thus far this season.Adding to the visitor’s woes, Varun Chakaravarthy remains a doubt following a finger injury during the Sunrisers Hyderabad game, though he has returned to training.Come Tuesday, the fixture represents more than just two points for the teams. It provides them with a crucial opportunity to stabilise their campaigns and stay relevant in the playoff conversation.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #CSK #KKR #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #clash #jump #place

The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

lightbox-info

The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

The imbalance is deepened by Cameron Green’s lack of rhythm with the bat. Additionally, the game against Lucknow Super Giants was the first time he bowled this season, and he conceded 28 runs in two overs. KKR ended up on the losing side as Mukul Choudhary pulled off a heist in a last-ball thriller.

While Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani have shown sparks, the bowling unit has appeared sub-par without consistent spin support. The spinners have returned with just five wickets in 24.1 overs and have conceded at 9.26 runs per over thus far this season.

Adding to the visitor’s woes, Varun Chakaravarthy remains a doubt following a finger injury during the Sunrisers Hyderabad game, though he has returned to training.

Come Tuesday, the fixture represents more than just two points for the teams. It provides them with a crucial opportunity to stabilise their campaigns and stay relevant in the playoff conversation.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#CSK #KKR #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #clash #jump #place

Sports news , , , , , ,

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached the 21-match mark, with each team having played four games. The tournament’s traditional heavyweights find themselves in uncharted territory.

The points table tells a bizarre story of shifting power: the teams currently in the top half share only three titles between them, while the bottom half contains a staggering 14 trophies’ worth of experience.

On Tuesday, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium hosts a make-or-break fixture between two of these struggling giants. The home side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), sits at a precarious ninth place, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) languish at the bottom with a solitary point from four outings.

PowerPlay woes

CSK finally halted a gruelling six-match home losing streak with a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals last time out. The victory was fuelled by Sanju Samson’s maiden century in yellow—a long-awaited return on investment for the high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals—and a sharp bowling performance led by Jamie Overton.

However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form is a glaring liability. With just 56 runs at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103, his ultra-cautious PowerPlay approach has stifled the team’s momentum.

ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings fixtures swapped owing to municipal elections

Promoting the fearless Ayush Mhatre to open while shifting Gaikwad to the number three spot could provide the spark currently lacking in the first six overs.

Furthermore, while Dewald Brevis only contributed a couple of catches in his return, his presence in the middle order offers a higher ceiling for a unit desperate for high-impact players in the absence of MS Dhoni.

On the bowling front, the inclusion of West Indian Akeal Hosein has paid dividends. He replaced a struggling Matt Henry and has provided a quick fix for CSK’s PowerPlay bowling. With support from Overton and Anshul Kamboj, the bowling unit seems to have finally taken shape.

Searching for solutions

KKR’s problems are equally systemic. While Finn Allen provides a fear factor with a strike rate north of 200, his frequent early exits have forced Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to rebuild rather than accelerate.

The middle-order finishers have also gone cold: Rinku Singh has managed just 72 runs this season, while Rovman Powell has contributed only 39.

The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

lightbox-info

The KKR spin-bowling attack has picked only five wickets in 24.1 overs bowled, at an economy rate of 9.26.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

The imbalance is deepened by Cameron Green’s lack of rhythm with the bat. Additionally, the game against Lucknow Super Giants was the first time he bowled this season, and he conceded 28 runs in two overs. KKR ended up on the losing side as Mukul Choudhary pulled off a heist in a last-ball thriller.

While Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani have shown sparks, the bowling unit has appeared sub-par without consistent spin support. The spinners have returned with just five wickets in 24.1 overs and have conceded at 9.26 runs per over thus far this season.

Adding to the visitor’s woes, Varun Chakaravarthy remains a doubt following a finger injury during the Sunrisers Hyderabad game, though he has returned to training.

Come Tuesday, the fixture represents more than just two points for the teams. It provides them with a crucial opportunity to stabilise their campaigns and stay relevant in the playoff conversation.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

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Deadspin | Jacob deGrom brushes off Shohei Ohtani shot, lifts Rangers past Dodgers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715593.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715593.jpg" alt="MLB: Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Dodgers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jacob deGrom overcame allowing a leadoff homer to Shohei Ohtani by striking out nine batters, helping the visiting Texas Rangers record a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>deGrom (1-0) yielded one run on four hits in six innings before exiting after 93 pitches.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Evan Carter homered to lead off the third and Josh Smith had an RBI single later in the inning for the Rangers, who notched their fourth win in six games.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Brandon Nimmo drove in his second run of the day with an RBI single in the eighth, and Ezequiel Duran scored on a wild pitch later that inning.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Josh Jung had two hits and reached base four times as Texas took advantage of 10 walks to salvage the finale of the three-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>For the second straight day, Ohtani homered to lead off Los Angeles’ half of the first inning. The homer was his fifth of the season and extended his on-base streak to 46 games.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Kyle Tucker had an RBI single in the seventh inning to cut Texas’ lead to 3-2, but Cole Winn stranded runners on the corners by inducing Andy Pages to pop out to shallow left field.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Winn threw a scoreless eighth inning and Jakob Junis did the same in the ninth to secure his third save of the season and hand the Dodgers just their second loss in their last nine games.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Carter forged a 1-1 tie by sending a first-pitch fastball from Roki Sasaki (0-2) over the wall in right-center field for his second homer of the series.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Former Dodger Joc Pederson extended the third inning with a two-out single. He promptly advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Smith’s single to right field to stake the Rangers to a 2-1 lead.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Texas tacked on a run in the sixth inning. Jung worked a walk to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a throwing error by reliever Edgardo Henriquez and scored on Nimmo’s groundout.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Sasaki permitted two runs on five hits in four innings. He fanned six but drove up his pitch count with five walks and exited after 94 pitches.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jacob #deGrom #brushes #Shohei #Ohtani #shot #lifts #Rangers #Dodgers

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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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