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Deadspin | Reds go against ex-teammate, Rays’ Nick Martinez, in pursuit of sweep Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics. That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings. Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday. Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road. “I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday. Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).” The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash). “I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed. “And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.” Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday. While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings). Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career. Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweep

Deadspin | Reds go against ex-teammate, Rays’ Nick Martinez, in pursuit of sweep
Deadspin | Reds go against ex-teammate, Rays’ Nick Martinez, in pursuit of sweep Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics. That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings. Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday. Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road. “I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday. Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).” The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash). “I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed. “And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.” Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday. While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings). Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career. Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweepApr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics.

That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings.

Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday.

Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road.

“I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday.

Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).”


The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash).

“I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed.

“And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.”

Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds.

Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday.

While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings).

Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career.

Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweep

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Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics.

That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings.

Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday.

Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road.

“I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday.

Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).”

The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash).

“I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed.

“And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.”

Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds.

Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday.

While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings).

Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career.

Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak.

–Field Level Media

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The Best Chromebooks Are Doing Their Best to Course Correct<div><p class="paywall">I was delighted to see that the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 didn’t skimp on a crappy touchpad. That goes a long way toward improving the experiencing of actually using the laptop on a moment-by-moment basis. I wasn’t annoyed every time I had to click-and-drag or select a bit of text. This one’s biggest weakness is definitely the screen, which is true of just about every cheap Chromebook I’ve tested. The colors are ugly and desaturated, giving the whole thing a sickly green tint. It’s also not the sharpest in the world, as it’s stretching 1920 x 1200 pixels across a large, 16-inch screen. But in terms of usability and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a great value, combining an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB of storage. For a Chromebook that’s often on sale for $350, it’s a steal.</p><p class="paywall">While we’re here, let’s go even cheaper, shall we? Asus has two dirt-cheap Chromebooks that I tested last year that I was mildly impressed by. The <a href="https://www.wired.com/review/asus-chromebook-cx14/" target="_blank" class="text link">Asus Chromebook CX14</a> and CX15. Notice in the name that these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, meaning they can be configured with less RAM and storage, and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get on the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15, which is how you sometimes get prices down to as low as $130. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of which you choose, the both the CX14 and larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops. You’d know that’s a big compliment if you’ve seen just how ugly Chromebooks of this price have been in the past.</p><p class="paywall">With these, though, I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis thickness, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. It only has a 720p webcam too, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s going to be true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).</p><p class="paywall">Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14 though, as it doesn’t have a numberpad and off-center touchpad, which I’ve always found to be awkward to use. Look—no one’s going to <em>love</em> using a computer that costs the less than $200, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.</p><p class="paywall">Whatever you do, <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/bad-amazon-laptops/" class="text link">don’t just head over to Amazon</a> and buy whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for $100 for your kid. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.</p><p><h2 class="paywall">Other Good Chromebooks We’ve Tested</h2></p><p class="paywall">We’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, having reviewed every major release across the spectrum of price. Unlike Macs and Windows laptops, Chromebooks tends to stick around a bit longer though, and aren’t refreshed as often. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth buying for the right person.</p><figure class="AssetEmbedWrapper-iJvQnD cOWUYC asset-embed"><div class="AssetEmbedAssetContainer-fnduJP iaVSwI asset-embed__asset-container"><span class="SpanWrapper-kFnjvc eKnjjD responsive-asset AssetEmbedResponsiveAsset-gaAbQ hXaxHA asset-embed__responsive-asset"><picture class="ResponsiveImagePicture-jKunQM gjCCFj AssetEmbedResponsiveAsset-gaAbQ hXaxHA asset-embed__responsive-asset responsive-image"><img alt="Image may contain Computer Electronics Laptop Pc Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard and Hardware" loading="lazy" class="ResponsiveImageContainer-dkeESL cQPiWi responsive-image__image" srcset="https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_120,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_240,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_320,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 320w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_640,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 640w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_960,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 960w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_1280,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 1280w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_1600,c_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png 1600w" sizes="100vw" src="https://media.wired.com/photos/6849bbb0ec6c1ab24bbd68b2/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Acer-Chromebook-Plus-Spin-714-Front-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Daniel-Thorp-Lancaster.png"/></picture></span></div><p><span class="BaseText-fEwdHD CaptionCredit-cUgOGk iQbGEh hRFzlA caption__credit">Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster</span></p></figure></div>#Chromebooks #Correctchromebooks,laptops,buying guides,google

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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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