Deadspin | Cubs bring 9-game win streak into opener vs. Dodgers Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders. Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday. “A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.” Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12. Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list. Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg. “It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.” Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven). The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32. “You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.” Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets. He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday. Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies. Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday. “The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.” Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers. Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday. Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles. “Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers

Deadspin | Cubs bring 9-game win streak into opener vs. Dodgers
Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders.

Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday.

“A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.”

Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12.

Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list.

Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg.

“It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.”

Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven).

The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32.

“You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.”

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets.

He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday.

Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies.

Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday.

“The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.”

Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers.

Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday.

Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles.

“Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers

Sports news April 24, 2026

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders.

Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday.

“A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.”

Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12.

Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list.

Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg.

“It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.”

Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven).

The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32.

“You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.”

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets.

He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday.

Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies.

Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday.

“The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.”

Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers.

Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday.

Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles.

“Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers

Saka set to return for Arsenal in Premier League title boost <div id="content-body-70902210" itemprop="articleBody">Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to return after a month out injured for the Premier League title contender’s home match against Newcastle on Saturday.The England international has missed Arsenal’s last five matches — containing three losses — because of an Achilles injury.“Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday. “So, good news.”Arsenal is looking to bounce back from two straight league defeats — to Bournemouth and Manchester City — and from losing top spot to City.Saka is expected to be a starter for England at the World Cup.Published on Apr 24, 2026</div> #Saka #set #return #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #boost

#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">