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Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets
Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #RocketsApr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”


The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

Sports news

Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”

The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.


When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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