Deadspin | Coming off big wins, Reds, Marlins look to continue strong starts Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise. Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013. On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend. “We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper. Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26. As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24. De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive. “We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said. In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers. Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games. Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay. “We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over. Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.” The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests. Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday. Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season. All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday. Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July. Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Deadspin | Coming off big wins, Reds, Marlins look to continue strong starts
Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise.

Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013.

On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend.

“We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper.

Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26.

As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24.

De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive.

“We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said.

In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers.

Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay.

“We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over.

Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.”

The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests.

Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday.

Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season.

All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday.

Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July.

Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Sports news April 6, 2026

Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise.

Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013.

On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend.

“We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper.

Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26.

As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24.

De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive.

“We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said.

In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers.

Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay.

“We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over.

Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.”

The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests.

Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday.

Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season.

All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday.

Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July.

Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS).

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Ashwin reveals why he quit IPL: It was mentally disturbing, painful phase with CSK <div id="content-body-70829903" itemprop="articleBody">Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has revealed that he could have played the Indian Premier League (IPL) a bit longer had it not been for a “mentally disturbing” and “painful” phase that he went through during his time with Chennai Super Kings.On his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, the veteran, who retired from international cricket in 2024 before ending his IPL run last year, said he decided to call it quits to save the franchise the dilemma of deciding his fate.“I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK. It was a disappointing season for me personally. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, but I quit because, emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play while managing everything else,” Ashwin said.Ashwin, before announcing his IPL retirement, had sought clarity from CSK about his role after being used sparingly during the 2025 season. He appeared in only nine of CSK’s 14 matches in what was to be his homecoming after starting his IPL journey with the same team.The franchise, which was at the bottom of the heap last season, is continuing to struggle and has already logged three back-to-back losses under Ruturaj Gaikwad.Published on Apr 06, 2026</div> #Ashwin #reveals #quit #IPL #mentally #disturbing #painful #phase #CSK

#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">