Deadspin | Avalanche blank Kraken, set franchise record for points Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Parker Kelly and Nick Blankenburg each scored a goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 2-0 in Denver on Thursday night. Valeri Nichushkin had two assists for Colorado (55-16-11, 121 points), which set the franchise record for points. The 55 victories are one fewer than the 2021-22 team, which had 119 points on the way to winning the Stanley Cup. The shutout was the 12th of Wedgewood’s career. His 2.07 goals-against average led the NHL. Victor Ostman turned away 33 shots for Seattle (34-37-11, 79 points), which lost its third in a row and finished the season with 13 losses in its last 16 games. Colorado’s opponent in the first round was determined during the second period when Anaheim beat Nashville. That locked in the Los Angeles Kings as the second wild card and a playoff matchup with the Avalanche for the first time since 2002. Game 1 is Sunday afternoon in Denver. Colorado rested several players ahead of the postseason. Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews and Martin Necas were healthy scratches, while Nazem Kadri (finger), Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) Josh Manson (upper body) were also out of the lineup. MacKinnon finished with an NHL-best 53 goals in 80 games and was third overall in scoring with 127 points. He joins Milan Hejduk as the only players in franchise history to win the Rocket Richard Trophy. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, sporting a black eye, was back behind the bench after missing the two-game road trip to Edmonton and Calgary. Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck on the right cheek by a puck against Vegas on Saturday. Blankenburg had a goal in the first period erased when the Kraken successfully challenged the play was offside but his goal at 17:38 of the second stuck and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead. Kelly scored his 21st of the season at 12:19 of the third. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #blank #Kraken #set #franchise #record #points

Deadspin | Avalanche blank Kraken, set franchise record for points
$Deadspin | Avalanche blank Kraken, set franchise record for points Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Parker Kelly and Nick Blankenburg each scored a goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 2-0 in Denver on Thursday night. Valeri Nichushkin had two assists for Colorado (55-16-11, 121 points), which set the franchise record for points. The 55 victories are one fewer than the 2021-22 team, which had 119 points on the way to winning the Stanley Cup. The shutout was the 12th of Wedgewood’s career. His 2.07 goals-against average led the NHL. Victor Ostman turned away 33 shots for Seattle (34-37-11, 79 points), which lost its third in a row and finished the season with 13 losses in its last 16 games. Colorado’s opponent in the first round was determined during the second period when Anaheim beat Nashville. That locked in the Los Angeles Kings as the second wild card and a playoff matchup with the Avalanche for the first time since 2002. Game 1 is Sunday afternoon in Denver. Colorado rested several players ahead of the postseason. Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews and Martin Necas were healthy scratches, while Nazem Kadri (finger), Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) Josh Manson (upper body) were also out of the lineup. MacKinnon finished with an NHL-best 53 goals in 80 games and was third overall in scoring with 127 points. He joins Milan Hejduk as the only players in franchise history to win the Rocket Richard Trophy. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, sporting a black eye, was back behind the bench after missing the two-game road trip to Edmonton and Calgary. Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck on the right cheek by a puck against Vegas on Saturday. Blankenburg had a goal in the first period erased when the Kraken successfully challenged the play was offside but his goal at 17:38 of the second stuck and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead. Kelly scored his 21st of the season at 12:19 of the third. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #blank #Kraken #set #franchise #record #points$ Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Parker Kelly and Nick Blankenburg each scored a goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 2-0 in Denver on Thursday night.

Valeri Nichushkin had two assists for Colorado (55-16-11, 121 points), which set the franchise record for points. The 55 victories are one fewer than the 2021-22 team, which had 119 points on the way to winning the Stanley Cup.

The shutout was the 12th of Wedgewood’s career. His 2.07 goals-against average led the NHL.

Victor Ostman turned away 33 shots for Seattle (34-37-11, 79 points), which lost its third in a row and finished the season with 13 losses in its last 16 games.

Colorado’s opponent in the first round was determined during the second period when Anaheim beat Nashville. That locked in the Los Angeles Kings as the second wild card and a playoff matchup with the Avalanche for the first time since 2002.

Game 1 is Sunday afternoon in Denver.

Colorado rested several players ahead of the postseason. Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews and Martin Necas were healthy scratches, while Nazem Kadri (finger), Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) Josh Manson (upper body) were also out of the lineup.

MacKinnon finished with an NHL-best 53 goals in 80 games and was third overall in scoring with 127 points. He joins Milan Hejduk as the only players in franchise history to win the Rocket Richard Trophy.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, sporting a black eye, was back behind the bench after missing the two-game road trip to Edmonton and Calgary. Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck on the right cheek by a puck against Vegas on Saturday.

Blankenburg had a goal in the first period erased when the Kraken successfully challenged the play was offside but his goal at 17:38 of the second stuck and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead.

Kelly scored his 21st of the season at 12:19 of the third.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Avalanche #blank #Kraken #set #franchise #record #points

Sports news April 17, 2026

Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Parker Kelly and Nick Blankenburg each scored a goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 2-0 in Denver on Thursday night.

Valeri Nichushkin had two assists for Colorado (55-16-11, 121 points), which set the franchise record for points. The 55 victories are one fewer than the 2021-22 team, which had 119 points on the way to winning the Stanley Cup.

The shutout was the 12th of Wedgewood’s career. His 2.07 goals-against average led the NHL.

Victor Ostman turned away 33 shots for Seattle (34-37-11, 79 points), which lost its third in a row and finished the season with 13 losses in its last 16 games.

Colorado’s opponent in the first round was determined during the second period when Anaheim beat Nashville. That locked in the Los Angeles Kings as the second wild card and a playoff matchup with the Avalanche for the first time since 2002.

Game 1 is Sunday afternoon in Denver.

Colorado rested several players ahead of the postseason. Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews and Martin Necas were healthy scratches, while Nazem Kadri (finger), Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) Josh Manson (upper body) were also out of the lineup.

MacKinnon finished with an NHL-best 53 goals in 80 games and was third overall in scoring with 127 points. He joins Milan Hejduk as the only players in franchise history to win the Rocket Richard Trophy.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, sporting a black eye, was back behind the bench after missing the two-game road trip to Edmonton and Calgary. Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck on the right cheek by a puck against Vegas on Saturday.

Blankenburg had a goal in the first period erased when the Kraken successfully challenged the play was offside but his goal at 17:38 of the second stuck and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead.

Kelly scored his 21st of the season at 12:19 of the third.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Avalanche #blank #Kraken #set #franchise #record #points

VIDEO | Playing all formats for India is blessing not a challenge: Washington Sundar <div id="content-body-70872470" itemprop="articleBody">All-format players are a shrinking breed as cricket’s calendar becomes more crowded then ever but happy to be a part of that tribe, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar sees it as a “beautiful blessing” rather than a massive challenge.Washington, who has had to deal with a fair share of injuries in his India career that began in 2017, has been a regular member of the national squad over the past 18 months.“Being an all-format player for the Indian cricket team is a massive blessing. Because we all know the kind of cricket that the Indian team has always played,” he told PTI in an interview.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/prabhsimran-singh-yuvraj-impact-punjab-kings-ipl-2026/article70872280.ece" target="_blank">Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings</a>“And getting to play three formats is a beautiful blessing. And obviously, looking forward to a lot of more good contributions from myself and eventually win a lot of games for my country,” he said.The all-rounder played only a couple of games in India’s T20 World Cup campaign at home but delivered notable performances in the longest format.He came of age in Test cricket with a match-saving hundred alongside Ravindra Jadeja against England in Manchester last year. That gritty effort was followed by an explosive fifty in the fifth and final Test at the Oval where India were able to level the series.Washington, currently doing the job for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, said he has worked extensively on his fitness in recent past which has helped him get regular opportunities across formats.He had a side strain leading into the T20 World Cup but was able to recover just in time.Washington said he knows his body better than ever now and this is helping him stay in shape for top-flight cricket.“I don’t see too many challenges there. Yes, fitness plays a massive role. And you have got to understand how your body sort of works across situations, across conditions,” he said.“And obviously, (it helps in) playing different roles and train accordingly. I’ve always given a lot of importance on understanding my own body. And yes, as I said, things have been really good in the last one year,” he said.The frequent opportunities in red ball cricket have come following the retirement of senior off-spinner R Ashwin during the tour of Australia in 2024-25.In the shorter formats, he has had to evolve as a batter and that includes polishing his power game.“Yeah, definitely. I mean, you have got to play different roles slightly differently and understand what’s required of yourself, especially in terms of skills and work accordingly,” he said when asked about the power-hitting aspect of the game.He hopes to be a part of the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year but the ‘biggest goal’ is to win every game that he plays for India.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-dhoni-injury-management-workload-recovery-ramji-srinivasan/article70869946.ece" target="_blank">Train smarter, not harder — Ramji Srinivasan decodes how IPL’s OG superstars can stave off injuries</a><h4 class="sub_head">Having ‘fun’ at Gujarat Titans</h4>Gujarat Titans is Washington’s fourth IPL franchise, having turned up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, SunRisers Hyderabad and the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants in the past.The southpaw has been playing the IPL since 2017 but is yet to fully realise his potential.The off-spinner has played more than 10 games a season only twice since 2017 with the 2020 edition for RCB being his most productive.In his first season for Titans last year, he got six games but this year it seems he is on course to play the whole season. He has been batting in the middle order and scored his maiden IPL fifty against Delhi Capitals on April 8.“Getting to play is the ultimate fun, especially at this level. It’s always a beautiful opportunity. And as a team also, we’ve been doing very well so far.“I’ve always had enough clarity about what role I’m going to be playing, especially with this franchise. So, that way, it’s always been clear-cut,” added Washington.Published on Apr 17, 2026</div> #VIDEO #Playing #formats #India #blessing #challenge #Washington #Sundar

#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">