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Deadspin | NHL roundup: Flyers beat Bruins in OT, move into playoff spot Apr 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates with goalie Dan Vladar (80) after the game against the Boston Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Porter Martone scored his first NHL goal on a 5-on-3 in overtime, lifting the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Sunday. After Boston took penalties seven seconds apart in OT, Philadelphia needed just 15 more seconds to score the decisive goal. Christian Dvorak made a touch pass to the slot for Martone, whose first attempt was stopped by Joonas Korpisalo, but the rookie winger — playing in just his fourth career game — banged home the rebound. Dan Vladar made 18 saves and Dvorak scored the other goal for Philadelphia, which jumped over the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers entered the day one point behind the Islanders, as well as in a four-way tie for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, which still sits atop the wild-card race despite losing its third straight contest. Korpisalo made 29 saves for the Bruins, including the sequence of the game late in regulation when he denied Jamie Drysdale’s blast and then stoned Tyson Foerster on the rebound with a spectacular pad stop. Senators 6, Hurricanes 3 Brady Tkachuk scored twice among the final four Ottawa goals in a win over visiting Carolina. Dylan Cozens, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto all had a goal and an assist and the Senators picked up a much-needed result to win for the second time in their last six games. Ottawa holds the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Claude Giroux had the other goal — an empty-netter with 57 seconds remaining — and goalie Linus Ullmark made 25 saves for the Senators, who tallied two goals on power plays. Logan Stankoven, Andrei Svechnikov and Taylor Hall scored for the Hurricanes, who lost for only the second time in their last six games. Jackson Blake provided two assists and goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots. Carolina remained one point away from clinching the Metropolitan Division with five games to play. Wild 5, Red Wings 4 Kirill Kaprizov notched a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with 1:51 remaining, as visiting Minnesota defeated fading Detroit. After the Wild squandered a 4-1 lead in the first 15 minutes of the third period, Kaprizov scored his third goal of the afternoon and 43rd of the season on a power play as he ripped a shot from the right circle past Detroit goaltender Cam Talbot off a Matt Boldy feed. Boldly and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored. Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Patrick Kane each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, but Kane committed the tripping penalty that led to Minnesota’s winning goal. Albert Johansson and J.T. Compher also scored for the Red Wings, who have lost four of their past five games and nine of their last 13 contests. Penguins 5, Panthers 2 Rickard Rakell scored twice and Evgeni Malkin added a pair of helpers as Pittsburgh upended visiting Florida. With the win, the Penguins picked up their second win over the Panthers in as many days and swept the three-game season series. Sidney Crosby scored and added two assists and Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who moved seven points up on the third-place New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division. Arturs Silvos made 29 saves for Pittsburgh, which improved to 4-1 over its last five. Cole Schwindt and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals for the Panthers (37-37-3, 77 points), who have dropped back-to-back games and are eliminated from playoff contention. Daniil Tarasov stopped 18 shots for Florida, which has lost five of seven. Devils 3, Canadiens 0 Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as visiting New Jersey beat Montreal to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak. Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive. Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair of highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark. The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday. New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal. No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots for Montreal, which punched a ticket to the playoffs before the game. Rangers 8, Capitals 1 Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and host New York prevented Washington from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with a rout. Washington fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Charlie Lindgren recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time. Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1). Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Flyers #beat #Bruins #move #playoff #spot

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Flyers beat Bruins in OT, move into playoff spot
Deadspin | NHL roundup: Flyers beat Bruins in OT, move into playoff spot Apr 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates with goalie Dan Vladar (80) after the game against the Boston Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Porter Martone scored his first NHL goal on a 5-on-3 in overtime, lifting the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Sunday. After Boston took penalties seven seconds apart in OT, Philadelphia needed just 15 more seconds to score the decisive goal. Christian Dvorak made a touch pass to the slot for Martone, whose first attempt was stopped by Joonas Korpisalo, but the rookie winger — playing in just his fourth career game — banged home the rebound. Dan Vladar made 18 saves and Dvorak scored the other goal for Philadelphia, which jumped over the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers entered the day one point behind the Islanders, as well as in a four-way tie for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, which still sits atop the wild-card race despite losing its third straight contest. Korpisalo made 29 saves for the Bruins, including the sequence of the game late in regulation when he denied Jamie Drysdale’s blast and then stoned Tyson Foerster on the rebound with a spectacular pad stop. Senators 6, Hurricanes 3 Brady Tkachuk scored twice among the final four Ottawa goals in a win over visiting Carolina. Dylan Cozens, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto all had a goal and an assist and the Senators picked up a much-needed result to win for the second time in their last six games. Ottawa holds the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Claude Giroux had the other goal — an empty-netter with 57 seconds remaining — and goalie Linus Ullmark made 25 saves for the Senators, who tallied two goals on power plays. Logan Stankoven, Andrei Svechnikov and Taylor Hall scored for the Hurricanes, who lost for only the second time in their last six games. Jackson Blake provided two assists and goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots. Carolina remained one point away from clinching the Metropolitan Division with five games to play. Wild 5, Red Wings 4 Kirill Kaprizov notched a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with 1:51 remaining, as visiting Minnesota defeated fading Detroit. After the Wild squandered a 4-1 lead in the first 15 minutes of the third period, Kaprizov scored his third goal of the afternoon and 43rd of the season on a power play as he ripped a shot from the right circle past Detroit goaltender Cam Talbot off a Matt Boldy feed. Boldly and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored. Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Patrick Kane each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, but Kane committed the tripping penalty that led to Minnesota’s winning goal. Albert Johansson and J.T. Compher also scored for the Red Wings, who have lost four of their past five games and nine of their last 13 contests. Penguins 5, Panthers 2 Rickard Rakell scored twice and Evgeni Malkin added a pair of helpers as Pittsburgh upended visiting Florida. With the win, the Penguins picked up their second win over the Panthers in as many days and swept the three-game season series. Sidney Crosby scored and added two assists and Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who moved seven points up on the third-place New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division. Arturs Silvos made 29 saves for Pittsburgh, which improved to 4-1 over its last five. Cole Schwindt and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals for the Panthers (37-37-3, 77 points), who have dropped back-to-back games and are eliminated from playoff contention. Daniil Tarasov stopped 18 shots for Florida, which has lost five of seven. Devils 3, Canadiens 0 Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as visiting New Jersey beat Montreal to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak. Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive. Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair of highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark. The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday. New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal. No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots for Montreal, which punched a ticket to the playoffs before the game. Rangers 8, Capitals 1 Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and host New York prevented Washington from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with a rout. Washington fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Charlie Lindgren recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time. Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1). Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Flyers #beat #Bruins #move #playoff #spotApr 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates with goalie Dan Vladar (80) after the game against the Boston Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Porter Martone scored his first NHL goal on a 5-on-3 in overtime, lifting the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Sunday.

After Boston took penalties seven seconds apart in OT, Philadelphia needed just 15 more seconds to score the decisive goal. Christian Dvorak made a touch pass to the slot for Martone, whose first attempt was stopped by Joonas Korpisalo, but the rookie winger — playing in just his fourth career game — banged home the rebound.

Dan Vladar made 18 saves and Dvorak scored the other goal for Philadelphia, which jumped over the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers entered the day one point behind the Islanders, as well as in a four-way tie for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, which still sits atop the wild-card race despite losing its third straight contest. Korpisalo made 29 saves for the Bruins, including the sequence of the game late in regulation when he denied Jamie Drysdale’s blast and then stoned Tyson Foerster on the rebound with a spectacular pad stop.

Senators 6, Hurricanes 3

Brady Tkachuk scored twice among the final four Ottawa goals in a win over visiting Carolina.

Dylan Cozens, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto all had a goal and an assist and the Senators picked up a much-needed result to win for the second time in their last six games. Ottawa holds the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Claude Giroux had the other goal — an empty-netter with 57 seconds remaining — and goalie Linus Ullmark made 25 saves for the Senators, who tallied two goals on power plays.

Logan Stankoven, Andrei Svechnikov and Taylor Hall scored for the Hurricanes, who lost for only the second time in their last six games. Jackson Blake provided two assists and goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots. Carolina remained one point away from clinching the Metropolitan Division with five games to play.

Wild 5, Red Wings 4

Kirill Kaprizov notched a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with 1:51 remaining, as visiting Minnesota defeated fading Detroit.


After the Wild squandered a 4-1 lead in the first 15 minutes of the third period, Kaprizov scored his third goal of the afternoon and 43rd of the season on a power play as he ripped a shot from the right circle past Detroit goaltender Cam Talbot off a Matt Boldy feed. Boldly and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Patrick Kane each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, but Kane committed the tripping penalty that led to Minnesota’s winning goal. Albert Johansson and J.T. Compher also scored for the Red Wings, who have lost four of their past five games and nine of their last 13 contests.

Penguins 5, Panthers 2

Rickard Rakell scored twice and Evgeni Malkin added a pair of helpers as Pittsburgh upended visiting Florida.

With the win, the Penguins picked up their second win over the Panthers in as many days and swept the three-game season series. Sidney Crosby scored and added two assists and Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who moved seven points up on the third-place New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division.

Arturs Silvos made 29 saves for Pittsburgh, which improved to 4-1 over its last five. Cole Schwindt and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals for the Panthers (37-37-3, 77 points), who have dropped back-to-back games and are eliminated from playoff contention. Daniil Tarasov stopped 18 shots for Florida, which has lost five of seven.

Devils 3, Canadiens 0

Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as visiting New Jersey beat Montreal to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.

Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive. Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair of highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.

The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday. New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal. No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots for Montreal, which punched a ticket to the playoffs before the game.

Rangers 8, Capitals 1

Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and host New York prevented Washington from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with a rout.

Washington fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Charlie Lindgren recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time.

Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1). Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Flyers #beat #Bruins #move #playoff #spot

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Apr 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates with goalie Dan Vladar (80) after the game against the Boston Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Porter Martone scored his first NHL goal on a 5-on-3 in overtime, lifting the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Sunday.

After Boston took penalties seven seconds apart in OT, Philadelphia needed just 15 more seconds to score the decisive goal. Christian Dvorak made a touch pass to the slot for Martone, whose first attempt was stopped by Joonas Korpisalo, but the rookie winger — playing in just his fourth career game — banged home the rebound.

Dan Vladar made 18 saves and Dvorak scored the other goal for Philadelphia, which jumped over the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers entered the day one point behind the Islanders, as well as in a four-way tie for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, which still sits atop the wild-card race despite losing its third straight contest. Korpisalo made 29 saves for the Bruins, including the sequence of the game late in regulation when he denied Jamie Drysdale’s blast and then stoned Tyson Foerster on the rebound with a spectacular pad stop.

Senators 6, Hurricanes 3

Brady Tkachuk scored twice among the final four Ottawa goals in a win over visiting Carolina.

Dylan Cozens, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto all had a goal and an assist and the Senators picked up a much-needed result to win for the second time in their last six games. Ottawa holds the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Claude Giroux had the other goal — an empty-netter with 57 seconds remaining — and goalie Linus Ullmark made 25 saves for the Senators, who tallied two goals on power plays.

Logan Stankoven, Andrei Svechnikov and Taylor Hall scored for the Hurricanes, who lost for only the second time in their last six games. Jackson Blake provided two assists and goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots. Carolina remained one point away from clinching the Metropolitan Division with five games to play.

Wild 5, Red Wings 4

Kirill Kaprizov notched a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with 1:51 remaining, as visiting Minnesota defeated fading Detroit.

After the Wild squandered a 4-1 lead in the first 15 minutes of the third period, Kaprizov scored his third goal of the afternoon and 43rd of the season on a power play as he ripped a shot from the right circle past Detroit goaltender Cam Talbot off a Matt Boldy feed. Boldly and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Patrick Kane each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, but Kane committed the tripping penalty that led to Minnesota’s winning goal. Albert Johansson and J.T. Compher also scored for the Red Wings, who have lost four of their past five games and nine of their last 13 contests.

Penguins 5, Panthers 2

Rickard Rakell scored twice and Evgeni Malkin added a pair of helpers as Pittsburgh upended visiting Florida.

With the win, the Penguins picked up their second win over the Panthers in as many days and swept the three-game season series. Sidney Crosby scored and added two assists and Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who moved seven points up on the third-place New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division.

Arturs Silvos made 29 saves for Pittsburgh, which improved to 4-1 over its last five. Cole Schwindt and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals for the Panthers (37-37-3, 77 points), who have dropped back-to-back games and are eliminated from playoff contention. Daniil Tarasov stopped 18 shots for Florida, which has lost five of seven.

Devils 3, Canadiens 0

Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as visiting New Jersey beat Montreal to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.

Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive. Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair of highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.

The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday. New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal. No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots for Montreal, which punched a ticket to the playoffs before the game.

Rangers 8, Capitals 1

Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and host New York prevented Washington from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with a rout.

Washington fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Charlie Lindgren recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time.

Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1). Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves.

–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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