Deadspin | Red Sox hope offense wakes up early on Patriots’ Day vs. Tigers Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox have endured a subpar start to the 2026 season, but a joyous Monday is on tap in the city as they close a four-game home series against the Detroit Tigers in the annual 11:10 a.m. game in celebration of Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts. Manager Alex Cora’s club lost 6-2 on Sunday and will look to avoid finishing the wraparound weekend set with three losses. While ace lefty Garrett Crochet was charged with five runs in five innings in his second straight setback, Boston scored two or fewer runs in a third straight game and for the ninth time out of 21 this season. “Some positive strides, but in that (four-run fifth) inning, it just didn’t work out,” Cora said of Crochet’s Sunday outing. “(Detroit starter Framber Valdez) had seven strikeouts. So, we didn’t do much (offensively).” The Red Sox are set to start right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43 ERA), who had a season-worst start last Tuesday at the Minnesota Twins. He allowed five runs on nine hits in four innings as Boston lost its second straight game to begin that series. The 36-year-old had worked at least six innings in his two prior starts, including 6 1/3 scoreless against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8. Boston is 0-13 when its starters pitch less than six innings and 8-0 when they eclipse that mark. “I just don’t feel like we’ve had a chance in the games,” Gray said in Minnesota. Gray is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Tigers. He faced them as a St. Louis Cardinal on May 19, 2025, striking out 10 across six shutout, three-hit innings. The Tigers lost their ninth straight road game in Friday’s series-opening, 1-0 contest in 10 innings, but have responded with back-to-back wins to give them eight in their last nine games overall. “I think we’re going to be fine on the road, and this proves it,” said outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered on Saturday and had a pinch hit on Sunday. “We’ve got a good team and are confident in any ballpark we’re in.” Jahmai Jones (solo) and Dillon Dingler (three-run) both hit fifth-inning home runs against Crochet to lift the Tigers to Sunday’s win. Five of Detroit’s six RBIs came with two outs, and it was 4-for-7 as a team with runners in scoring position. Dingler had a career day, going 4-for-5 while driving in four. His 18 RBIs are tied for second in the American League this season. One Tiger who has yet to heat up is first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who went deep 31 times last season but finished 0-for-3 on Sunday, dropping his average to .182. “For ‘Tork,’ connecting with one might be enough for him,” Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said. “It could click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches.” Perhaps the same could happen with Jones, who hit his first homer of the season on Sunday and is now on a 4-for-10 streak. Detroit hopes that the early-bird first pitch can change the recent luck of scheduled Monday starter Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05). He remains winless on the season despite allowing only a single run in each of his last two starts, striking out a combined 13 in 11 2/3 innings. Flaherty, who is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Boston, fanned a season-high seven Kansas City Royals during a six-inning start last Wednesday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #hope #offense #wakes #early #Patriots #Day #Tigers

Deadspin | Red Sox hope offense wakes up early on Patriots’ Day vs. Tigers
Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox have endured a subpar start to the 2026 season, but a joyous Monday is on tap in the city as they close a four-game home series against the Detroit Tigers in the annual 11:10 a.m. game in celebration of Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.

Manager Alex Cora’s club lost 6-2 on Sunday and will look to avoid finishing the wraparound weekend set with three losses. While ace lefty Garrett Crochet was charged with five runs in five innings in his second straight setback, Boston scored two or fewer runs in a third straight game and for the ninth time out of 21 this season.

“Some positive strides, but in that (four-run fifth) inning, it just didn’t work out,” Cora said of Crochet’s Sunday outing. “(Detroit starter Framber Valdez) had seven strikeouts. So, we didn’t do much (offensively).”

The Red Sox are set to start right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43 ERA), who had a season-worst start last Tuesday at the Minnesota Twins. He allowed five runs on nine hits in four innings as Boston lost its second straight game to begin that series.

The 36-year-old had worked at least six innings in his two prior starts, including 6 1/3 scoreless against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8.

Boston is 0-13 when its starters pitch less than six innings and 8-0 when they eclipse that mark.

“I just don’t feel like we’ve had a chance in the games,” Gray said in Minnesota.

Gray is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Tigers. He faced them as a St. Louis Cardinal on May 19, 2025, striking out 10 across six shutout, three-hit innings.

The Tigers lost their ninth straight road game in Friday’s series-opening, 1-0 contest in 10 innings, but have responded with back-to-back wins to give them eight in their last nine games overall.

“I think we’re going to be fine on the road, and this proves it,” said outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered on Saturday and had a pinch hit on Sunday. “We’ve got a good team and are confident in any ballpark we’re in.”

Jahmai Jones (solo) and Dillon Dingler (three-run) both hit fifth-inning home runs against Crochet to lift the Tigers to Sunday’s win. Five of Detroit’s six RBIs came with two outs, and it was 4-for-7 as a team with runners in scoring position.

Dingler had a career day, going 4-for-5 while driving in four. His 18 RBIs are tied for second in the American League this season.

One Tiger who has yet to heat up is first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who went deep 31 times last season but finished 0-for-3 on Sunday, dropping his average to .182.

“For ‘Tork,’ connecting with one might be enough for him,” Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said. “It could click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches.”

Perhaps the same could happen with Jones, who hit his first homer of the season on Sunday and is now on a 4-for-10 streak.

Detroit hopes that the early-bird first pitch can change the recent luck of scheduled Monday starter Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05). He remains winless on the season despite allowing only a single run in each of his last two starts, striking out a combined 13 in 11 2/3 innings.

Flaherty, who is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Boston, fanned a season-high seven Kansas City Royals during a six-inning start last Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #hope #offense #wakes #early #Patriots #Day #Tigers

Sports news April 20, 2026

Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox have endured a subpar start to the 2026 season, but a joyous Monday is on tap in the city as they close a four-game home series against the Detroit Tigers in the annual 11:10 a.m. game in celebration of Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.

Manager Alex Cora’s club lost 6-2 on Sunday and will look to avoid finishing the wraparound weekend set with three losses. While ace lefty Garrett Crochet was charged with five runs in five innings in his second straight setback, Boston scored two or fewer runs in a third straight game and for the ninth time out of 21 this season.

“Some positive strides, but in that (four-run fifth) inning, it just didn’t work out,” Cora said of Crochet’s Sunday outing. “(Detroit starter Framber Valdez) had seven strikeouts. So, we didn’t do much (offensively).”

The Red Sox are set to start right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43 ERA), who had a season-worst start last Tuesday at the Minnesota Twins. He allowed five runs on nine hits in four innings as Boston lost its second straight game to begin that series.

The 36-year-old had worked at least six innings in his two prior starts, including 6 1/3 scoreless against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8.

Boston is 0-13 when its starters pitch less than six innings and 8-0 when they eclipse that mark.

“I just don’t feel like we’ve had a chance in the games,” Gray said in Minnesota.

Gray is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Tigers. He faced them as a St. Louis Cardinal on May 19, 2025, striking out 10 across six shutout, three-hit innings.

The Tigers lost their ninth straight road game in Friday’s series-opening, 1-0 contest in 10 innings, but have responded with back-to-back wins to give them eight in their last nine games overall.

“I think we’re going to be fine on the road, and this proves it,” said outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered on Saturday and had a pinch hit on Sunday. “We’ve got a good team and are confident in any ballpark we’re in.”

Jahmai Jones (solo) and Dillon Dingler (three-run) both hit fifth-inning home runs against Crochet to lift the Tigers to Sunday’s win. Five of Detroit’s six RBIs came with two outs, and it was 4-for-7 as a team with runners in scoring position.

Dingler had a career day, going 4-for-5 while driving in four. His 18 RBIs are tied for second in the American League this season.

One Tiger who has yet to heat up is first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who went deep 31 times last season but finished 0-for-3 on Sunday, dropping his average to .182.

“For ‘Tork,’ connecting with one might be enough for him,” Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said. “It could click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches.”

Perhaps the same could happen with Jones, who hit his first homer of the season on Sunday and is now on a 4-for-10 streak.

Detroit hopes that the early-bird first pitch can change the recent luck of scheduled Monday starter Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05). He remains winless on the season despite allowing only a single run in each of his last two starts, striking out a combined 13 in 11 2/3 innings.

Flaherty, who is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Boston, fanned a season-high seven Kansas City Royals during a six-inning start last Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Red #Sox #hope #offense #wakes #early #Patriots #Day #Tigers

Flow Capital to Tokenize $150M Private Credit Fund on Blockchain: Report

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

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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">