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Deadspin | Blackhawks score 5 straight to beat Sharks in season finale Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in the Blackhawks’ season finale on Wednesday night. Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1). Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five (1-3-1). Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third. Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35. Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32. Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44. Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period. After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review. The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0. Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period. Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1. The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finale

Deadspin | Blackhawks score 5 straight to beat Sharks in season finale
Deadspin | Blackhawks score 5 straight to beat Sharks in season finale Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in the Blackhawks’ season finale on Wednesday night. Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1). Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five (1-3-1). Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third. Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35. Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32. Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44. Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period. After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review. The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0. Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period. Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1. The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finaleApr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in the Blackhawks’ season finale on Wednesday night.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five (1-3-1).

Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third.

Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35.

Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32.


Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44.

Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period.

After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review.

The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0.

Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period.

Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1.

The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finale

Sports news

Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in the Blackhawks’ season finale on Wednesday night.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five (1-3-1).

Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third.

Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35.

Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32.

Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44.

Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period.

After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review.

The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0.

Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period.

Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1.

The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finale

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NFL Draft’s 10 best WR prospects in 2026 class <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The strongest position group in the 2026 NFL Draft is at wide receiver. Even with that, there are legitimate question marks and concerns surrounding every wideout in the draft, especially the consensus top-ranking ones. It’s a deep class, albeit one that lacks a Ja’Marr Chase-like prospect at the top.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There is no one-size-fits-all receiver prospect. The candidates arrive in varying sizes with athletic profiles that may fit certain schemes around the league better than others. Consensus rankings aren’t present, with each general manager, head coach, and offensive coordinator possessing different evaluations on wideout prospects.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">After thorough evaluation of 25-plus prospects at the position in this year’s draft, and conversations with scouts and league executives, we’ve compiled thoughts and tidbits on the 10 best receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is the safest and most reliable prospect at the position. Tate possesses adequate size throughout his 6’2, 192-pound frame, though play strength isn’t a particular skill of his. The former Buckeyes standout is a savvy route runner with elite hands. He’s a vertical field stretcher who can both create separation and thrive in contested catch situations. Top-end speed isn’t present, though his controversial 4.53 at the NFL Combine <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7079130/2026/03/01/carnell-tate-40-time-nfl-combine/">arrived with claims of a faster hand-timed result</a>. He also won’t generate many yards-after-catch opportunities, but his high-level understanding of leverage and body control should make him an immediate asset.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Makai Lemon is a classic watch-the-tape prospect. On the surface, he lacks desired size and athleticism to develop into a No. 1 wideout. Similar negatives were said about Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lemon is cut from that cloth when it comes to route-running prowess and short-area quickness. The Los Alamitos, Calif. native smoothly accelerates past defensive backs with tempo speed and a variety of release packages. He’s a true route artist who should quickly endear himself to his starting quarterback.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Arguably no wide receiver has climbed pre-draft boards in recent weeks like Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. Once seen as a potential second-round pick, there’s now significant smoke tying him to the New York Jets at No. 16 overall. Fernando Mendoza’s go-to target in 2025, Cooper led the National Championship-winning Hoosiers in receptions (69) and receiving yards (937) while scoring 13 touchdowns. Cooper is both athletic and tough, having run a 4.42 at the NFL Combine. A versatile inside-outside receiver, he fights through contact with physicality and breaks open-field tackles to create yards after catch.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The biggest unknown at receiver in the NFL Draft, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson has WR1 upside on the tape. The issue? He missed approximately 34 percent of his college football career sidelined by varying injuries. Tyson is an athletic specimen who runs shrewd routes. He’s sudden and explosive with vertical speed and terrific body control. An <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-jordyn-tyson-workout/">April 17th workout</a> designed to answer health-related questions could be critical to determining his draft spot. A slide to the second round isn’t out of the question.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Denzel Boston, WR, Washington</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston is a big-bodied target who wins by dominating defensive backs on the boundary. The towering playmaker has above-the-rim ability with strong hands to complete catches in traffic. Boston has elite ball skills, but his capacity to create consistent separation is flying under the radar as a result of groupthink labeling him a contested-catch merchant. In reality, he’s a very fluid route runner for a receiver who clocked in at 6’4 and 212 pounds.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">KC Concepcion is the most dynamic athlete at wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s an incredibly elusive and explosive playmaker who is slippery after the catch. His athletic profile puts cornerbacks in a jam. Short-area quickness and top-tier footwork are at the forefront of Concepcion’s skill set. Focus drops have been a previous issue. He also projects as an immediate field-flipper on special teams, having returned 26 punts at Texas A&M this past season for 456 yards and two touchdowns.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Chris Bell, WR, Louisville</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell was garnering fringe first-round grades from scouts during the college football season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury in November. We’ll see how that injury ultimately impacts his draft stock. Bell is a physical and aggressive receiver who thrives at out-muscling his opponents both as a route runner and yards-after-catch threat. He ran a simple route tree at Louisville, but there’s A.J. Brown-like ability to house-call a slant.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Germie Bernard may be the savviest, smartest route runner in the NFL Draft. Bernard lacks the high-end athleticism on tape required to develop into a team’s No. 1 receiver, but there’s nothing wrong with being the reliable chain mover. The former Michigan State and Washington transfer possesses adequate acceleration and thrives by running routes with tempo while understanding leverage. He routinely snaps off his routes efficiently and always manages to exploit opportunities in zone coverage. His high football IQ will have his quarterback looking his way on third down.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/24481286/2026-nfl-draft-small-school-cole-payton-ted-hurst-bryce-lance">Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst has aced the pre-draft process as a small-school prospect who has answered scouting questions</a>. He attended the Senior Bowl and competed at a high level. Hurst then flashed elite athleticism at the NFL Combine by running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds. On tape, he displays an exciting vertical skill set, shaking coverage at the line of scrimmage to stretch opposing defenses.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The University of Tennessee has produced its fair share of busts at wide receiver in recent memory. That has led to some helmet-scouting when it comes to Chris Brazzell II. That isn’t fair to a receiver who recorded 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging an explosive 16.4 yards per catch in the SEC throughout 2025. Brazzell is an expert field-stretcher with take-the-top-off speed, highlighted by his 4.37 at the NFL Combine. He’s also a snappier route runner than given credit for.</p></div></div> #NFL #Drafts #prospects #class

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FIFA World Cup 2026 — France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on June 8 <div id="content-body-70869376" itemprop="articleBody"><p>France will ​complete its World Cup preparation ​against Northern ⁠Ireland in Lille on June 8, ‌days after opening its ‌warm-up campaign ‌against ⁠Ivory Coast, ⁠the French federation said on Thursday.</p><p>Didier ​Deschamps’ ‌side will host Northern Ireland at the Stade ‌Pierre-Mauroy in ​what will be its final ⁠fixture before heading to the ‌June 11-July 19 World Cup.</p><p><i>Les Bleus</i> will start their Group ‌I campaign against ​Senegal on June 16 in ⁠New York before ⁠taking on Iraq and ‌Norway.</p><p>The runner-up from 2022 was handed a major injury blow earlier this week with star forward Hugo Ekitike being ruled out of the quadrennial event due to an ankle injury.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #FIFA #World #Cup #France #complete #preparation #Northern #Ireland #June

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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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