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Deadspin | Kevin Durant takes spotlight as Rockets try to even series with Lakers Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and forward Kevin Durant (center) watch during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images All eyes will be on the great Kevin Durant when his visiting Houston Rockets seek to square the ledger against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series Tuesday. Durant was unable to play Saturday’s first-round series opener after accidentally bumping knees with a teammate at practice three days earlier. The 16-time All-Star attempted to warm up a few hours before tipoff, but he ultimately didn’t feel his right knee was good enough to play. Durant led Houston with an average of 26 points per game this season and is No. 5 on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list. In his absence, the fifth-seeded Rockets struggled offensively in a 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1. Houston had 27 more shot attempts but misfired badly, connecting at 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line. Rockets coach Ime Udoka didn’t hesitate when asked about the qualities that Durant brings to the table, which were sorely lacking Saturday. “Efficiency and consistent scoring,” Udoka said. “On a nightly basis, he (Durant) shoots at a good, high clip. He doesn’t have too many nights like this (Houston in Game 1), struggling-wise. With all the young guys, he kind of calms you down … Regardless, if he’s back or not, if we’re shooting that poorly, it’s going to be tough to win.” Alperen Sengun led the Durant-less Rockets with 19 points. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard added 17 apiece, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason both had 16. Durant is expected to be fit to take his place as the Rockets endeavor to overcome their 1-0 deficit, but the Lakers showed they are able to adapt whether or not Houston’s main man is on the court. “I don’t think it (Durant not playing Game 1) affected our mentality,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “This is all we’ve talked about for two months, is our playoff mentality. You can’t worry about who’s in or out of a line-up. It’s our gameplan, it’s our standard, it’s how we play and we’ve built towards that.” That standard saw the Lakers shoot a sizzling 60.6% from the floor, including 52.6% from deep. The star was Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from three. Thompson admits the Rockets should have been more dialed in on Kennard, a key reserve and the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooter, who the Lakers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in February. “Just respect other players,” Thompson said when asked where his team can improve. “I knew what Kennard could do. But I’ve got to be more locked in for it — locked in for that match-up.” LeBron James posted 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton paired 19 points with 11 boards for Los Angeles. The Lakers are without their two leading scorers — Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) — which means greater production is required from more sources. “We don’t have a choice,” said James, who is participating in his 19th postseason. “It has to be that way — it has to be the collective group. When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to pitch in. We all have to do our job, and even do a little bit more.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #takes #spotlight #Rockets #series #Lakers

Deadspin | Kevin Durant takes spotlight as Rockets try to even series with Lakers
Deadspin | Kevin Durant takes spotlight as Rockets try to even series with Lakers Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and forward Kevin Durant (center) watch during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images All eyes will be on the great Kevin Durant when his visiting Houston Rockets seek to square the ledger against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series Tuesday. Durant was unable to play Saturday’s first-round series opener after accidentally bumping knees with a teammate at practice three days earlier. The 16-time All-Star attempted to warm up a few hours before tipoff, but he ultimately didn’t feel his right knee was good enough to play. Durant led Houston with an average of 26 points per game this season and is No. 5 on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list. In his absence, the fifth-seeded Rockets struggled offensively in a 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1. Houston had 27 more shot attempts but misfired badly, connecting at 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line. Rockets coach Ime Udoka didn’t hesitate when asked about the qualities that Durant brings to the table, which were sorely lacking Saturday. “Efficiency and consistent scoring,” Udoka said. “On a nightly basis, he (Durant) shoots at a good, high clip. He doesn’t have too many nights like this (Houston in Game 1), struggling-wise. With all the young guys, he kind of calms you down … Regardless, if he’s back or not, if we’re shooting that poorly, it’s going to be tough to win.” Alperen Sengun led the Durant-less Rockets with 19 points. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard added 17 apiece, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason both had 16. Durant is expected to be fit to take his place as the Rockets endeavor to overcome their 1-0 deficit, but the Lakers showed they are able to adapt whether or not Houston’s main man is on the court. “I don’t think it (Durant not playing Game 1) affected our mentality,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “This is all we’ve talked about for two months, is our playoff mentality. You can’t worry about who’s in or out of a line-up. It’s our gameplan, it’s our standard, it’s how we play and we’ve built towards that.” That standard saw the Lakers shoot a sizzling 60.6% from the floor, including 52.6% from deep. The star was Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from three. Thompson admits the Rockets should have been more dialed in on Kennard, a key reserve and the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooter, who the Lakers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in February. “Just respect other players,” Thompson said when asked where his team can improve. “I knew what Kennard could do. But I’ve got to be more locked in for it — locked in for that match-up.” LeBron James posted 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton paired 19 points with 11 boards for Los Angeles. The Lakers are without their two leading scorers — Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) — which means greater production is required from more sources. “We don’t have a choice,” said James, who is participating in his 19th postseason. “It has to be that way — it has to be the collective group. When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to pitch in. We all have to do our job, and even do a little bit more.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #takes #spotlight #Rockets #series #LakersApr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and forward Kevin Durant (center) watch during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

All eyes will be on the great Kevin Durant when his visiting Houston Rockets seek to square the ledger against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series Tuesday.

Durant was unable to play Saturday’s first-round series opener after accidentally bumping knees with a teammate at practice three days earlier.

The 16-time All-Star attempted to warm up a few hours before tipoff, but he ultimately didn’t feel his right knee was good enough to play.

Durant led Houston with an average of 26 points per game this season and is No. 5 on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list.

In his absence, the fifth-seeded Rockets struggled offensively in a 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1.

Houston had 27 more shot attempts but misfired badly, connecting at 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka didn’t hesitate when asked about the qualities that Durant brings to the table, which were sorely lacking Saturday.

“Efficiency and consistent scoring,” Udoka said. “On a nightly basis, he (Durant) shoots at a good, high clip. He doesn’t have too many nights like this (Houston in Game 1), struggling-wise. With all the young guys, he kind of calms you down … Regardless, if he’s back or not, if we’re shooting that poorly, it’s going to be tough to win.”


Alperen Sengun led the Durant-less Rockets with 19 points. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard added 17 apiece, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason both had 16.

Durant is expected to be fit to take his place as the Rockets endeavor to overcome their 1-0 deficit, but the Lakers showed they are able to adapt whether or not Houston’s main man is on the court.

“I don’t think it (Durant not playing Game 1) affected our mentality,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “This is all we’ve talked about for two months, is our playoff mentality. You can’t worry about who’s in or out of a line-up. It’s our gameplan, it’s our standard, it’s how we play and we’ve built towards that.”

That standard saw the Lakers shoot a sizzling 60.6% from the floor, including 52.6% from deep. The star was Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from three.

Thompson admits the Rockets should have been more dialed in on Kennard, a key reserve and the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooter, who the Lakers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in February.

“Just respect other players,” Thompson said when asked where his team can improve. “I knew what Kennard could do. But I’ve got to be more locked in for it — locked in for that match-up.”

LeBron James posted 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton paired 19 points with 11 boards for Los Angeles.

The Lakers are without their two leading scorers — Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) — which means greater production is required from more sources.

“We don’t have a choice,” said James, who is participating in his 19th postseason. “It has to be that way — it has to be the collective group. When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to pitch in. We all have to do our job, and even do a little bit more.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #takes #spotlight #Rockets #series #Lakers

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Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and forward Kevin Durant (center) watch during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

All eyes will be on the great Kevin Durant when his visiting Houston Rockets seek to square the ledger against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series Tuesday.

Durant was unable to play Saturday’s first-round series opener after accidentally bumping knees with a teammate at practice three days earlier.

The 16-time All-Star attempted to warm up a few hours before tipoff, but he ultimately didn’t feel his right knee was good enough to play.

Durant led Houston with an average of 26 points per game this season and is No. 5 on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list.

In his absence, the fifth-seeded Rockets struggled offensively in a 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1.

Houston had 27 more shot attempts but misfired badly, connecting at 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka didn’t hesitate when asked about the qualities that Durant brings to the table, which were sorely lacking Saturday.

“Efficiency and consistent scoring,” Udoka said. “On a nightly basis, he (Durant) shoots at a good, high clip. He doesn’t have too many nights like this (Houston in Game 1), struggling-wise. With all the young guys, he kind of calms you down … Regardless, if he’s back or not, if we’re shooting that poorly, it’s going to be tough to win.”

Alperen Sengun led the Durant-less Rockets with 19 points. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard added 17 apiece, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason both had 16.

Durant is expected to be fit to take his place as the Rockets endeavor to overcome their 1-0 deficit, but the Lakers showed they are able to adapt whether or not Houston’s main man is on the court.

“I don’t think it (Durant not playing Game 1) affected our mentality,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “This is all we’ve talked about for two months, is our playoff mentality. You can’t worry about who’s in or out of a line-up. It’s our gameplan, it’s our standard, it’s how we play and we’ve built towards that.”

That standard saw the Lakers shoot a sizzling 60.6% from the floor, including 52.6% from deep. The star was Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from three.

Thompson admits the Rockets should have been more dialed in on Kennard, a key reserve and the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooter, who the Lakers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in February.

“Just respect other players,” Thompson said when asked where his team can improve. “I knew what Kennard could do. But I’ve got to be more locked in for it — locked in for that match-up.”

LeBron James posted 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton paired 19 points with 11 boards for Los Angeles.

The Lakers are without their two leading scorers — Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) — which means greater production is required from more sources.

“We don’t have a choice,” said James, who is participating in his 19th postseason. “It has to be that way — it has to be the collective group. When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to pitch in. We all have to do our job, and even do a little bit more.”

–Field Level Media

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How the 2027 QB class is impacting the 2026 NFL Draft <div id=""><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">Though there might be only one quarterback drafted in this year’s first round, multiple are expected to be square in the first-round mix in the 2027 NFL draft.</p><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">Quarterbacks already on the NFL’s radar for 2027 include Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’ Arch Manning, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, Miami’s Darian Mensah, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava and Oklahoma’s John Mateer. Not all of those players will be first-round picks, but there are great expectations for many of them, and it provides a glimpse of the potential.</p><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">But some teams aren’t even waiting. At least evaluator acknowledged that, while they were out at pro days scouting the prospects for this year’s draft, they took a long hard look at some of the aforementioned quarterbacks in next year’s class. At least one team put in some extra work with a few of these QBs while it was in those college towns, and chances are, that team was not the only one. The NFL is already thinking about the Class of 2027.</p></div> #class #impacting #NFL #Draft

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ISSF Junior World Cup: Shiva wins gold while Chirag bags bronze 10m air pistol; Panaah wins silver in 10m air rifle <div id="content-body-70888997" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Former mixed team World Champion Shiva Narwal marked his return after a three-year gap to claim gold in the 10m Air Pistol men’s junior event on Day 1 of competitions in the ISSF Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun on Tuesday in Cairo at the Egypt International Olympic City.</p><p>Chirag Sharma accompanied Narwal on the podium by securing bronze, while Panaah Bhugra added a silver in the women’s 10m air rifle.</p><p>Narwal continued his form from the qualification to claim gold with 241.8, finishing 1.8 ahead of Uzbekistan’s Sodikjon Abdullaev, who secured silver. India’s Chirag completed the podium with 218.9, while Abhinav Deshwal, the other Indian in the final, finished seventh with 136.7.</p><p>Earlier in qualification, Shiva qualified in top spot with a score of 576-19x, followed by Abhinav in third place with a score of 576-16x and Chirag who qualified in fourth place, shooting 575-13x. Abhinav Choudhary (570-14x), Himanshu Rana (568-12x) and Abhay Dhama (567-17x) missed out on a spot in the finals.</p><p>In the women’s junior 10m air rifle event, Panaah, who qualified for the finals with a score of 629.4 maintained her place in the medal positions from the first series and showcased consistency to eventually clinch the silver medal with a final score of 250.6. The French duo of Anceline Brackman and Helena Ecale secured gold and bronze with scores of 252.0 and 228.6 respectively.</p><p>Shambhavi Kshirsagar, who finished qualification in top spot with a high score of 634.0, finished outside the medal positions in fourth place with a score of 206.5. The third Indian in the final, Anvii Rathod finished sixth with a score of 164.6.</p><p>Anvii qualified for the finals in sixth place with a score of 628.6, while the other Indians in the competition, Manyata Singh scored 628.3 to finish in eighth place. With the rule of maximum of three athletes per country, the three top ranked after qualification round proceeding to the final, Manyata missed out. Anushka Thokur (627.9) finished in ninth and Aneesha Sharma (627.1) finished in tenth place.</p><p>The 25m pistol men and women precision round along with the first 75 targets of skeet men and women have also commenced at the first event for the juniors. The rapid stage and finals of the 25m Pistol Women and 50 targets and the finals of skeet men and women will be held on Wednesday. The medals of the 25m pistol men and 50m rifle prone for both men and women will also be decided on Wednesday from the qualification round.</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Results: </h5><h5 class="sub-title">25m Pistol Women Precision Stage</h5><p> Sejal Kamble – 292-6x </p><p> Parisha Gupta – 288-8x </p><p> Anjali Mahendra Bhagwat – 284-5x </p><p> Shikha Chaudhary – 282-4x </p><p> Manvi Jain – 281-7x </p><p> Agam Grewal – Disqualified by ISSF Rule 6.7.9.1b (Post competition check failure) </p><h5 class="sub-title">25m Pistol Men Precision Stage</h5><p> Abhinav Deshwal – 290-9x </p><p> Raj Chandra – 288-9x </p><p> Yug Pratap Singh Rathore – 287-11x </p><p> Jatin – 283-5x </p><p> Abhinav Choudhary – 281-5x </p><p> Sahil Choudhary – 278-3x </p><h5 class="sub-title">Skeet Women (75 Targets)</h5><p> Risham Kaur Guron – 68 (24,23,21) </p><p> Sanyogita Shekhawat – 66 (21,22,23) </p><p> Agrima Kanwar – 60 (22,18,20) </p><p> Parmeet Kaur – 59 (19,22,18) </p><h5 class="sub-title">Skeet Men (75 Targets)</h5><p> Harviraj Singh – 71 (25,21,25) </p><p> Ishan Singh Libra – 70 (25,23,22) </p><p> Zorawar Singh Bedi – 68 (22,21,25) </p><p> Yashwardhan Singh Rajput – 63 (19,22,22) </p><p> Anjaneya Singh Mandawa – 59 (21,21,17) </p></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #ISSF #Junior #World #Cup #Shiva #wins #gold #Chirag #bags #bronze #10m #air #pistol #Panaah #wins #silver #10m #air #rifle

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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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