Deadspin | Celtics, 76ers renew acquaintances in series opener Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after three point attempt during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images Although the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers met four times during the regular season, each team will have a different look Sunday afternoon when they meet in Boston for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Boston and Philadelphia split their four games in the regular season, but three of those were played before mid-November. The seventh-seeded 76ers didn’t play the second-seeded Celtics after Jayson Tatum returned from a ruptured Achilles, and the Boston didn’t face Philadelphia with Paul George in the lineup. George was injured when the season began and then missed games in February and part of March after he was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. Tatum averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 16 games (all starts) during the regular season. “I remember when I got injured, there was a lot of uncertainty,” Tatum said. “The playoffs weren’t a sure thing, and now that I get that opportunity, I couldn’t be more happy.” Tatum’s return gave the Celtics an exceptional 1-2 scoring punch, with Jaylen Brown averaging a team-high 28.7 points per game. George has averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range in 10 games since returning from his suspension. “I’ve had my share of playing Boston with Jayson and Jayen, so I know what to expect,” George said. “We’re playing against winners; we’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. We respect that. But we’re going to have to challenge that. They’ve been great for a couple years now. They’re a well-oiled machine over there. Great coach. Great roster. Two studs, superstars over there.” There’s uncertainty regarding the status of Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid entering the series. Embiid had an appendectomy during the final week of the regular season, and the 76ers haven’t announced a timetable for when he will return. Embiid was limited to 38 games this season, but averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game when he was able to take the court. The 76ers play at a slower pace when Embiid is in the lineup. “We know we have to be at our best because they’re going to be at their best,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Philly’s a great team as you saw throughout the season. To get to this point with all the injuries that they’ve had, and to be where they’re at now, it’s going to be a tough test for us. We gotta be ready for it.” Philadelphia secured the No. 7 seed with Wednesday’s 109-97 victory against the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s leading scorer at 28.3 points per game, scored 31 points during that victory. Boston hasn’t played since it wrapped up the regular season with a 113-108 victory over Orlando on Sunday. The Celtics won that matchup despite resting their top seven scorers. “They’re playing great,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “They’ve played really great all season. They got a bunch of guys that have been together — I mean, a core group of guys that have been together for a long time through a lot of winning and a lot of deep runs. Tremendous, tremendous challenge for us.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Celtics #76ers #renew #acquaintances #series #opener

Deadspin | Celtics, 76ers renew acquaintances in series opener
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after three point attempt during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Although the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers met four times during the regular season, each team will have a different look Sunday afternoon when they meet in Boston for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Boston and Philadelphia split their four games in the regular season, but three of those were played before mid-November.

The seventh-seeded 76ers didn’t play the second-seeded Celtics after Jayson Tatum returned from a ruptured Achilles, and the Boston didn’t face Philadelphia with Paul George in the lineup. George was injured when the season began and then missed games in February and part of March after he was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Tatum averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 16 games (all starts) during the regular season.

“I remember when I got injured, there was a lot of uncertainty,” Tatum said. “The playoffs weren’t a sure thing, and now that I get that opportunity, I couldn’t be more happy.”

Tatum’s return gave the Celtics an exceptional 1-2 scoring punch, with Jaylen Brown averaging a team-high 28.7 points per game.

George has averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range in 10 games since returning from his suspension.

“I’ve had my share of playing Boston with Jayson and Jayen, so I know what to expect,” George said. “We’re playing against winners; we’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. We respect that. But we’re going to have to challenge that. They’ve been great for a couple years now. They’re a well-oiled machine over there. Great coach. Great roster. Two studs, superstars over there.”

There’s uncertainty regarding the status of Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid entering the series. Embiid had an appendectomy during the final week of the regular season, and the 76ers haven’t announced a timetable for when he will return.

Embiid was limited to 38 games this season, but averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game when he was able to take the court. The 76ers play at a slower pace when Embiid is in the lineup.

“We know we have to be at our best because they’re going to be at their best,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Philly’s a great team as you saw throughout the season. To get to this point with all the injuries that they’ve had, and to be where they’re at now, it’s going to be a tough test for us. We gotta be ready for it.”

Philadelphia secured the No. 7 seed with Wednesday’s 109-97 victory against the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s leading scorer at 28.3 points per game, scored 31 points during that victory.

Boston hasn’t played since it wrapped up the regular season with a 113-108 victory over Orlando on Sunday. The Celtics won that matchup despite resting their top seven scorers.

“They’re playing great,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “They’ve played really great all season. They got a bunch of guys that have been together — I mean, a core group of guys that have been together for a long time through a lot of winning and a lot of deep runs. Tremendous, tremendous challenge for us.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Celtics #76ers #renew #acquaintances #series #opener

Sports news April 18, 2026

Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after three point attempt during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Although the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers met four times during the regular season, each team will have a different look Sunday afternoon when they meet in Boston for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Boston and Philadelphia split their four games in the regular season, but three of those were played before mid-November.

The seventh-seeded 76ers didn’t play the second-seeded Celtics after Jayson Tatum returned from a ruptured Achilles, and the Boston didn’t face Philadelphia with Paul George in the lineup. George was injured when the season began and then missed games in February and part of March after he was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Tatum averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 16 games (all starts) during the regular season.

“I remember when I got injured, there was a lot of uncertainty,” Tatum said. “The playoffs weren’t a sure thing, and now that I get that opportunity, I couldn’t be more happy.”

Tatum’s return gave the Celtics an exceptional 1-2 scoring punch, with Jaylen Brown averaging a team-high 28.7 points per game.

George has averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range in 10 games since returning from his suspension.

“I’ve had my share of playing Boston with Jayson and Jayen, so I know what to expect,” George said. “We’re playing against winners; we’re playing against champions. This is where they play their best basketball. We respect that. But we’re going to have to challenge that. They’ve been great for a couple years now. They’re a well-oiled machine over there. Great coach. Great roster. Two studs, superstars over there.”

There’s uncertainty regarding the status of Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid entering the series. Embiid had an appendectomy during the final week of the regular season, and the 76ers haven’t announced a timetable for when he will return.

Embiid was limited to 38 games this season, but averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game when he was able to take the court. The 76ers play at a slower pace when Embiid is in the lineup.

“We know we have to be at our best because they’re going to be at their best,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Philly’s a great team as you saw throughout the season. To get to this point with all the injuries that they’ve had, and to be where they’re at now, it’s going to be a tough test for us. We gotta be ready for it.”

Philadelphia secured the No. 7 seed with Wednesday’s 109-97 victory against the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s leading scorer at 28.3 points per game, scored 31 points during that victory.

Boston hasn’t played since it wrapped up the regular season with a 113-108 victory over Orlando on Sunday. The Celtics won that matchup despite resting their top seven scorers.

“They’re playing great,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “They’ve played really great all season. They got a bunch of guys that have been together — I mean, a core group of guys that have been together for a long time through a lot of winning and a lot of deep runs. Tremendous, tremendous challenge for us.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Celtics #76ers #renew #acquaintances #series #opener

IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour beats Gokulam Kerala to enter Championship Round as table-topper <div id="content-body-70878725" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Diamond Harbour FC strengthened its hold at the top of the table with a commanding 5-2 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Saturday.</p><p>The defeat confirmed Gokulam Kerala’s place in the relegation phase.</p><p>Bouba Aminou had given the Malabarians the lead in the 17th minute, but Luka Majcen equalised for Diamond Harbour in the first half. Hugo Díaz then scored twice in quick succession early in the second half, while further goals from Jobby Justin and R. Ramdinthara sealed an emphatic victory for the host.</p><p>Rahul Raju netted Gokulam Kerala’s second goal of the match. Hugo Díaz was named Player of the Match for his standout performance.</p><p>Diamond Harbour completed Round One firmly at the top of the table with 22 points from nine matches, while Gokulam Kerala remained in the bottom four with eight points from the same number of games.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Shillong wins big</h4><p>Shillong Lajong hit six past Aizawl FC for a crushing 6-1 victory.</p><p>Tremiki Lamurong scored a brace for the home side, while Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson Sana, Gladdy Kharbuli and Lamlallian Vaiphei scored the other goals. Lalhriatpuia scored the consolation goal for Aizawl.</p><p>Shillong Lajong moved into second place in the table, temporarily, with 17 points from nine matches. Meanwhile, Aizawl, with the defeat, has slipped to seventh, which has confirmed its place in the relegation phase.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #IFL #Diamond #Harbour #beats #Gokulam #Kerala #enter #Championship #tabletopper

#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">