Deadspin | Oilers fall to Avs in shootout, slip 2 points back of Knights Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a save on a deflection by Colorado Avalanche forward Zakhar Bardakov (93) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal in a shootout, Scott Wedgewood made 30 saves through regulation and overtime plus one more in the shootout, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night. Sam Malinksi scored in regulation and Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas contributed shootout goals for the Central Division champion Avalanche (53-16-11, 117 points), who dealt Edmonton a tough loss in the Oilers’ quest for the Pacific Division title. Edmonton (40-30-11, 91 points) fell two points behind Vegas for first place in the division after the Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Monday. The Oilers are one point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, who have a game in hand on both Edmonton and Vegas. Connor McDavid had a regulation goal and the first tally in the shootout for the Oilers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had a shootout goal and Connor Ingram turned away 30 shots, though he was beaten on all three of Colorado’s shootout attempts. The teams traded shootout goals until the third round. Wedgewood closed the pads on Jack Roslovic’s attempt, and then MacKinnon beat Ingram high to win it for the Avalanche. The Edmonton goalie slammed his stick on the crossbar after allowing the goal. Colorado coach Jared Bednar did not travel for the team’s final road trip of the season, which includes a Tuesday game at Calgary. Bednar sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck by a puck on the bench during the Avalanche’s overtime loss to Vegas on Saturday. Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the Saturday loss, did not play on Monday. Malinski gave Colorado a 1-0 lead when he converted a turnover into his eighth goal at 9:05 of the second period. McDavid tied it at 15:49 of the second when his pass to Matt Savoie came right back to him and he beat Wedgewood before the goaltender could recover. Edmonton had an opportunity to go ahead midway through the third period when Parker Kelly drew a minor penalty for closing his hand on the puck. It gave the Oilers a two-man advantage for 1:24, and they held the puck in the Avalanche zone for all of it but couldn’t cash in. The Oilers killed off an overtime power play when Kasperi Kapanen was penalized for goalie interference. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #fall #Avs #shootout #slip #points #Knights

Deadspin | Oilers fall to Avs in shootout, slip 2 points back of Knights
$Deadspin | Oilers fall to Avs in shootout, slip 2 points back of Knights Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a save on a deflection by Colorado Avalanche forward Zakhar Bardakov (93) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal in a shootout, Scott Wedgewood made 30 saves through regulation and overtime plus one more in the shootout, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night. Sam Malinksi scored in regulation and Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas contributed shootout goals for the Central Division champion Avalanche (53-16-11, 117 points), who dealt Edmonton a tough loss in the Oilers’ quest for the Pacific Division title. Edmonton (40-30-11, 91 points) fell two points behind Vegas for first place in the division after the Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Monday. The Oilers are one point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, who have a game in hand on both Edmonton and Vegas. Connor McDavid had a regulation goal and the first tally in the shootout for the Oilers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had a shootout goal and Connor Ingram turned away 30 shots, though he was beaten on all three of Colorado’s shootout attempts. The teams traded shootout goals until the third round. Wedgewood closed the pads on Jack Roslovic’s attempt, and then MacKinnon beat Ingram high to win it for the Avalanche. The Edmonton goalie slammed his stick on the crossbar after allowing the goal. Colorado coach Jared Bednar did not travel for the team’s final road trip of the season, which includes a Tuesday game at Calgary. Bednar sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck by a puck on the bench during the Avalanche’s overtime loss to Vegas on Saturday. Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the Saturday loss, did not play on Monday. Malinski gave Colorado a 1-0 lead when he converted a turnover into his eighth goal at 9:05 of the second period. McDavid tied it at 15:49 of the second when his pass to Matt Savoie came right back to him and he beat Wedgewood before the goaltender could recover. Edmonton had an opportunity to go ahead midway through the third period when Parker Kelly drew a minor penalty for closing his hand on the puck. It gave the Oilers a two-man advantage for 1:24, and they held the puck in the Avalanche zone for all of it but couldn’t cash in. The Oilers killed off an overtime power play when Kasperi Kapanen was penalized for goalie interference. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #fall #Avs #shootout #slip #points #Knights$ Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a save on a deflection by Colorado Avalanche forward Zakhar Bardakov (93) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal in a shootout, Scott Wedgewood made 30 saves through regulation and overtime plus one more in the shootout, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night.

Sam Malinksi scored in regulation and Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas contributed shootout goals for the Central Division champion Avalanche (53-16-11, 117 points), who dealt Edmonton a tough loss in the Oilers’ quest for the Pacific Division title.

Edmonton (40-30-11, 91 points) fell two points behind Vegas for first place in the division after the Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Monday. The Oilers are one point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, who have a game in hand on both Edmonton and Vegas.

Connor McDavid had a regulation goal and the first tally in the shootout for the Oilers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had a shootout goal and Connor Ingram turned away 30 shots, though he was beaten on all three of Colorado’s shootout attempts.

The teams traded shootout goals until the third round. Wedgewood closed the pads on Jack Roslovic’s attempt, and then MacKinnon beat Ingram high to win it for the Avalanche.

The Edmonton goalie slammed his stick on the crossbar after allowing the goal.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar did not travel for the team’s final road trip of the season, which includes a Tuesday game at Calgary. Bednar sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck by a puck on the bench during the Avalanche’s overtime loss to Vegas on Saturday.

Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the Saturday loss, did not play on Monday.

Malinski gave Colorado a 1-0 lead when he converted a turnover into his eighth goal at 9:05 of the second period. McDavid tied it at 15:49 of the second when his pass to Matt Savoie came right back to him and he beat Wedgewood before the goaltender could recover.

Edmonton had an opportunity to go ahead midway through the third period when Parker Kelly drew a minor penalty for closing his hand on the puck. It gave the Oilers a two-man advantage for 1:24, and they held the puck in the Avalanche zone for all of it but couldn’t cash in.

The Oilers killed off an overtime power play when Kasperi Kapanen was penalized for goalie interference.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oilers #fall #Avs #shootout #slip #points #Knights

Sports news April 14, 2026

Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a save on a deflection by Colorado Avalanche forward Zakhar Bardakov (93) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal in a shootout, Scott Wedgewood made 30 saves through regulation and overtime plus one more in the shootout, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night.

Sam Malinksi scored in regulation and Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas contributed shootout goals for the Central Division champion Avalanche (53-16-11, 117 points), who dealt Edmonton a tough loss in the Oilers’ quest for the Pacific Division title.

Edmonton (40-30-11, 91 points) fell two points behind Vegas for first place in the division after the Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Monday. The Oilers are one point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, who have a game in hand on both Edmonton and Vegas.

Connor McDavid had a regulation goal and the first tally in the shootout for the Oilers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had a shootout goal and Connor Ingram turned away 30 shots, though he was beaten on all three of Colorado’s shootout attempts.

The teams traded shootout goals until the third round. Wedgewood closed the pads on Jack Roslovic’s attempt, and then MacKinnon beat Ingram high to win it for the Avalanche.

The Edmonton goalie slammed his stick on the crossbar after allowing the goal.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar did not travel for the team’s final road trip of the season, which includes a Tuesday game at Calgary. Bednar sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion when he was struck by a puck on the bench during the Avalanche’s overtime loss to Vegas on Saturday.

Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the Saturday loss, did not play on Monday.

Malinski gave Colorado a 1-0 lead when he converted a turnover into his eighth goal at 9:05 of the second period. McDavid tied it at 15:49 of the second when his pass to Matt Savoie came right back to him and he beat Wedgewood before the goaltender could recover.

Edmonton had an opportunity to go ahead midway through the third period when Parker Kelly drew a minor penalty for closing his hand on the puck. It gave the Oilers a two-man advantage for 1:24, and they held the puck in the Avalanche zone for all of it but couldn’t cash in.

The Oilers killed off an overtime power play when Kasperi Kapanen was penalized for goalie interference.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Oilers #fall #Avs #shootout #slip #points #Knights

AIFF responds to racial abuse complaints in Indian Super League <div id="content-body-70860429" itemprop="articleBody">The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday said that it has referred racial abuse complaints — during the Indian Super League — to the Disciplinary Committee for further investigation on the issue.The development comes a day after Kerala Blasters sent a complaint of racism against its defender, Fallou Ndiaye, during the ISL match against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.During the game, Ndiaye, who is from Senegal, was subject to racial slurs, videos of which have been widely circulated on social media.“The AIFF maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards racism. The complaints have been referred to the Disciplinary Committee, an independent judicial body, for examination as per the AIFF Disciplinary Code. The AIFF will refrain from any further comments while the proceedings are ongoing,” the Federation said in a statement.“The Indian Football family stands resolutely against racism. Those who bring hatred into our stadiums have no place in our game.”Published on Apr 14, 2026</div> #AIFF #responds #racial #abuse #complaints #Indian #Super #League

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">

mwasimuddin125 0

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a thank-you letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

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

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

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

Thank you, Arizona.

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

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

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

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

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

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

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

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

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

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

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

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

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">