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Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast. As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series. Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday. “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.” The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time. Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death. “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.” As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games. The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend. “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.” Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why. “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series. Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began. “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche

Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche
Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast. As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series. Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday. “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.” The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time. Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death. “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.” As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games. The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend. “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.” Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why. “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series. Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began. “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #AvalancheApr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.

As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.

Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.

“It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”

The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.

Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.

“We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”


As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.

The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.

“Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”

Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.

“We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.

Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.

“I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche

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Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.

As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.

Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.

“It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”

The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.

Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.

“We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”

As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.

The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.

“Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”

Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.

“We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.

Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.

“I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”

–Field Level Media

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Indian U-20 players provide mixed reactions on inclusion of overseas talent in youth teams <div id="content-body-70904457" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Three weeks ago, India lost 3-4 on penalties to Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship 2026 final in the Maldives, a result which raised questions on the country’s youth system and how it’s run.</p><p>On the other side of the border, the topic of discussion was the presence of the Sullivan brothers — Ronnie and Declan, teenagers from the USA who have Bangladeshi roots through their grandmother — in the squad. The movement to incorporate overseas players amongst the ranks of the Bangladesh national teams gained momentum last year when Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhary made his debut for the Bengal Tigers.</p><p>For the Blue Tigers, Australia-born Ryan Williams became the first overseas player to represent India after attaining citizenship since Arata Izumi. Williams recently made his debut during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.</p><p>In this context, two of the Indian U-20 players — Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum — were asked whether they would want a similar strategy deployed regarding the youth teams of the country to improve the quality. And they had mixed reactions.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/india-selected-for-fifa-womens-development-programme-countries-details-when/article70892944.ece" target="_blank">India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme</a></b></p><p>“I think, at the youth level, we are much better. Technically, we are good. It is so because when we are younger, we have that hunger. As we grow up, we tend to become comfortable and have the ‘It’s okay’ attitude. For the youth teams, we don’t need them [overseas players],” opines Vishal, who bagged two goals at the SAFF tournament.</p><p>His teammate Omang, though, saw both the good and bad aspects of the prospect of overseas players.</p><p>“Honestly, it would be better if we get Indian-origin players from other countries. They might bring changes in our youth development. But not having OCI players means the India-based players, which is also a good thing,” Omang, who finished joint top-scorer with three goals at SAFF, weighed in.</p><p><b>Future ambitions</b></p><p>While their beginnings in the sport were drastically different, their career trajectories have brought Vishal and Omang to the Punjab FC Academy. Their most recent exploits with the Cubs were at the 2026 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), where Punjab finished third after beating Kerala Blasters 6-0 in the third-place playoff.</p><p>Vishal banged in 15 goals, the most in this RFDL season. His tryst with the sport began when he was entering his teenage years in Varanasi when he would just kick the ball around at the nearest ground. His father runs a small dairy, while his mother manages the household.</p><p>The UP boy was also part of the Punjab FC team which beat Everton U-18 in the 2024 Next Generation Cup in England. Moreover, Vishal also became the third-youngest debutant in the Indian Super League last season when he made an appearance against FC Goa.</p><p>“I want to play in the ISL more regularly,” he said, a clear goal in his mind.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/2dignf/article70904455.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Omang%20Dodum" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/2dignf/article70904455.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Omang%20Dodum" alt="Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development." title="Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>Omang, who netted eight goals in the RFDL, said “he got it from his father”, a former footballer. He would be a ball boy during friendly matches his father, Kage Dodum, would play with his friends on Sundays.</p><p>The Itanagar local also got the special chance to play for the national team in front of his family when India played in the SAFF U-19 Championships last year in Arunachal Pradesh.</p><p>When asked about his future ambitions, he had an interesting answer.</p><p>“I want to change this narrative here in India that shorter players can’t be a good No. 9,” the diminutive forward said.</p><p>“A lot of people have told me to change my position.”</p><p>A certain Sunil Chhetri wasn’t the most towering marksman when he found the net 95 times in India’s colours, so Omang does have the perfect person to emulate as he attempts to flip the script.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams

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Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis <div id="content-body-70904497" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told <i>AFP</i> on Friday.</p><p>Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.</p><p>The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/la-liga/real-madrid-draw-betis-bellerin-goal-la-liga-barcelona-title-race-update/article70904342.ece" target="_blank">Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title</a></b></p><p>“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.</p><p>On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis

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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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