Deadspin | Ducks eye series win in Game 6, but Oilers have knack for comebacks Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a a power play goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The first chance to close their playoff series was a bust for the Anaheim Ducks. The second opportunity will be Thursday on home ice when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series. “We’re going to be more ready for the first five, 10 minutes,” said forward Leo Carlsson on Wednesday. “We know that they’re going to come out hard, so we just have to match that energy.” The Ducks had a golden opportunity to knock out the two-time defending Stanley Cup finalists, but Edmonton staved off elimination with a decisive 4-1 home-ice victory Tuesday. The Oilers staked a 3-0 lead just past the 10-minute mark and Anaheim could not pull back into the clash despite holding a 24-8 edge in shots over the final two periods. Anaheim still holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. “I always find in the course of a playoff series, there’s going to be one game that you want to throw in the can, you just didn’t have it up to par, and you’re wondering, ‘Why?’” coach Joel Quenneville said. “It happens, it seems like, every year in every playoff round.” Certainly the Ducks have reasons to be positive. They won the first two clashes on home ice and their power play continues to sparkle — having converted seven times in the first five games (7-for-14). Plus, they received an important lesson about closing out a team last outing. “They had their best (against) a bunch of guys that never had a chance to close out a series,” Quenneville said. “We learned that you better be ready at puck drop.” The Oilers, who have erased a handful of series deficits over the past few seasons, are full marks for keeping their hopes alive. However, Edmonton still has a mountain to climb with the need to make that victory the first of three needed to reach the second round of the Stanley Cup chase. That said, the mood was definitely brighter in the aftermath of the win and as the team headed to Southern California. “You always feel good after a win. That definitely changes it,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “After a loss, especially in overtime, heads are hanging and you feel down. A win, you’re thinking we only need two instead of three and the task doesn’t seem so difficult.” Now to see whether the Oilers can claim another victory and push the series to a one-game showdown on home ice or if that win simply prolonged the execution. “We’re still in a tough, tough spot, a really tough spot,” said captain Connor McDavid, who had two assists in Game 5. “We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building. … You have to be grateful just getting to the next day. All we did is survive one more day. The pressure is still on us, but it’s a big game for them, too. I’m sure they’ll be feeling that, too.” In his team’s favor is the club’s success as playoff series move along. Starting with the 2024 run to the finals, the Oilers have a 20-5 record in Games 4 through 7, and that includes their Game 4 loss against Anaheim. Edmonton exudes confidence of a comeback in part because of that success as every playoff series continues. “I’m sure you’ve heard this 1,000 times, when our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey,” said defenseman Evan Bouchard, who collected three assists in Tuesday’s win. “We did that (again).” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #eye #series #win #Game #Oilers #knack #comebacks

Deadspin | Ducks eye series win in Game 6, but Oilers have knack for comebacks
Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a a power play goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The first chance to close their playoff series was a bust for the Anaheim Ducks.

The second opportunity will be Thursday on home ice when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series.

“We’re going to be more ready for the first five, 10 minutes,” said forward Leo Carlsson on Wednesday. “We know that they’re going to come out hard, so we just have to match that energy.”

The Ducks had a golden opportunity to knock out the two-time defending Stanley Cup finalists, but Edmonton staved off elimination with a decisive 4-1 home-ice victory Tuesday.

The Oilers staked a 3-0 lead just past the 10-minute mark and Anaheim could not pull back into the clash despite holding a 24-8 edge in shots over the final two periods.

Anaheim still holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I always find in the course of a playoff series, there’s going to be one game that you want to throw in the can, you just didn’t have it up to par, and you’re wondering, ‘Why?'” coach Joel Quenneville said. “It happens, it seems like, every year in every playoff round.”

Certainly the Ducks have reasons to be positive. They won the first two clashes on home ice and their power play continues to sparkle — having converted seven times in the first five games (7-for-14).

Plus, they received an important lesson about closing out a team last outing.

“They had their best (against) a bunch of guys that never had a chance to close out a series,” Quenneville said. “We learned that you better be ready at puck drop.”

The Oilers, who have erased a handful of series deficits over the past few seasons, are full marks for keeping their hopes alive.

However, Edmonton still has a mountain to climb with the need to make that victory the first of three needed to reach the second round of the Stanley Cup chase.

That said, the mood was definitely brighter in the aftermath of the win and as the team headed to Southern California.

“You always feel good after a win. That definitely changes it,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “After a loss, especially in overtime, heads are hanging and you feel down. A win, you’re thinking we only need two instead of three and the task doesn’t seem so difficult.”

Now to see whether the Oilers can claim another victory and push the series to a one-game showdown on home ice or if that win simply prolonged the execution.

“We’re still in a tough, tough spot, a really tough spot,” said captain Connor McDavid, who had two assists in Game 5. “We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building. … You have to be grateful just getting to the next day. All we did is survive one more day. The pressure is still on us, but it’s a big game for them, too. I’m sure they’ll be feeling that, too.”

In his team’s favor is the club’s success as playoff series move along. Starting with the 2024 run to the finals, the Oilers have a 20-5 record in Games 4 through 7, and that includes their Game 4 loss against Anaheim.

Edmonton exudes confidence of a comeback in part because of that success as every playoff series continues.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this 1,000 times, when our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey,” said defenseman Evan Bouchard, who collected three assists in Tuesday’s win. “We did that (again).”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #eye #series #win #Game #Oilers #knack #comebacks

Sports news April 30, 2026

Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a a power play goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The first chance to close their playoff series was a bust for the Anaheim Ducks.

The second opportunity will be Thursday on home ice when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series.

“We’re going to be more ready for the first five, 10 minutes,” said forward Leo Carlsson on Wednesday. “We know that they’re going to come out hard, so we just have to match that energy.”

The Ducks had a golden opportunity to knock out the two-time defending Stanley Cup finalists, but Edmonton staved off elimination with a decisive 4-1 home-ice victory Tuesday.

The Oilers staked a 3-0 lead just past the 10-minute mark and Anaheim could not pull back into the clash despite holding a 24-8 edge in shots over the final two periods.

Anaheim still holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I always find in the course of a playoff series, there’s going to be one game that you want to throw in the can, you just didn’t have it up to par, and you’re wondering, ‘Why?'” coach Joel Quenneville said. “It happens, it seems like, every year in every playoff round.”

Certainly the Ducks have reasons to be positive. They won the first two clashes on home ice and their power play continues to sparkle — having converted seven times in the first five games (7-for-14).

Plus, they received an important lesson about closing out a team last outing.

“They had their best (against) a bunch of guys that never had a chance to close out a series,” Quenneville said. “We learned that you better be ready at puck drop.”

The Oilers, who have erased a handful of series deficits over the past few seasons, are full marks for keeping their hopes alive.

However, Edmonton still has a mountain to climb with the need to make that victory the first of three needed to reach the second round of the Stanley Cup chase.

That said, the mood was definitely brighter in the aftermath of the win and as the team headed to Southern California.

“You always feel good after a win. That definitely changes it,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “After a loss, especially in overtime, heads are hanging and you feel down. A win, you’re thinking we only need two instead of three and the task doesn’t seem so difficult.”

Now to see whether the Oilers can claim another victory and push the series to a one-game showdown on home ice or if that win simply prolonged the execution.

“We’re still in a tough, tough spot, a really tough spot,” said captain Connor McDavid, who had two assists in Game 5. “We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building. … You have to be grateful just getting to the next day. All we did is survive one more day. The pressure is still on us, but it’s a big game for them, too. I’m sure they’ll be feeling that, too.”

In his team’s favor is the club’s success as playoff series move along. Starting with the 2024 run to the finals, the Oilers have a 20-5 record in Games 4 through 7, and that includes their Game 4 loss against Anaheim.

Edmonton exudes confidence of a comeback in part because of that success as every playoff series continues.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this 1,000 times, when our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey,” said defenseman Evan Bouchard, who collected three assists in Tuesday’s win. “We did that (again).”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Ducks #eye #series #win #Game #Oilers #knack #comebacks

GT vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans welcomes second-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home; Salt fitness in focus <div><p>Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Nuwan Thushara, Mangesh Yadav, Rasikh Dar Swapnil Singh, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, and Abhinandan Singh.</p></div> #RCB #Live #Score #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #welcomes #secondplaced #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru #home #Salt #fitness #focus

#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">