Deadspin | Storylines abound as Scottie Barnes, Raptors open series at Cavs Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Success came quickly for Toronto Raptors power forward Scottie Barnes, who won the Rookie of the Year award and got a taste of the playoffs four years ago. Two All-Star selections followed, but a return to the postseason proved elusive until now. The fifth-seeded Raptors will challenge the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 1 is Saturday in Cleveland. “We knew from when we talked in training camp, that was our goal,” said Barnes, the only player in the league with 600 rebounds, 400 assists and 100 blocked shots in a single season. “I think we were all confident then that we could get it done. It’s just great that we went out and did it.” Toronto (46-36) moved past the Atlanta Hawks on the final day of the regular season, locking it into a matchup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers. Cleveland (52-30) is making its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Raptors went 3-0 against the Cavaliers this season with Barnes averaging 20.0 points and team-highs of 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 blocks. Brandon Ingram scored 37 points in their final meeting on Nov. 24 and averaged 22.7 points in the set. All three games occurred long before Cleveland acquired Harden in a trade-deadline deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers were 19-7 with the future Hall of Famer in the lineup and won 35 of their final 49 contests. “We’re a lot different team now,” said reigning Defensive Player of the Year Mobley, who was chosen one spot ahead of Barnes in the 2021 draft at No. 3. “We’ll have to adjust accordingly on how they play, but it’s a good matchup. Toronto has a lot of great players like Scottie and Brandon Ingram.” Mobley and Barnes will always be linked because of their draft order and the low-key rivalry that developed with both playing the same position. Injuries limited Mobley to 65 games this season, but he still averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and a career-high 1.7 blocks. Their head-to-head battle was the main talking point in Toronto going into the series, while most in Cleveland remain focused on Harden’s elusive quest for a first championship in his 17th season. He has made the playoffs every year. “It’s like a spin cycle, a lot of up and downs, once you get here,” Harden said. “A lot of different things happen in a game and in a series. Toronto is a really good team, but we’re prepared. We know what we need to do.” Harden’s ability to execute in half-court sets gives the Cavaliers a dynamic they didn’t have in the last three postseasons. The ninth-leading scorer in NBA history also figures to attack Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley, who is nursing a hamstring injury. The shooting guard matchup pits Cleveland’s top scorer and face of the franchise, seven-time All-Star Mitchell, against RJ Barrett. Raptors center Jakob Poeltl said he will be “as physical as possible” against Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen. “You’re playing the same team over and over, so the deeper you go, the sets and plays have less value because everyone can scout,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said. “It’s more about the tendencies of the players and are you playing to their strengths or your strengths.” Quickley was again limited to individual workouts Friday in Toronto. Cleveland’s only question mark is backup center Thomas Bryant (left calf strain), who last played on April 5 and appears unlikely to suit up. This is the fourth time the teams will square off in the playoffs, where the Cavaliers eliminated the Raptors in the 2016 conference finals, and the 2017 and 2018 semifinals. Toronto was swept in the latter two series and is 0-7 all-time in playoff games in Cleveland. “This is when we earn our money,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “The flowers are blooming, it’s warm and you just feel the energy. It’s like a renewal. Truly the best time of the year.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Storylines #abound #Scottie #Barnes #Raptors #open #series #Cavs

Deadspin | Storylines abound as Scottie Barnes, Raptors open series at Cavs
Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Success came quickly for Toronto Raptors power forward Scottie Barnes, who won the Rookie of the Year award and got a taste of the playoffs four years ago.

Two All-Star selections followed, but a return to the postseason proved elusive until now.

The fifth-seeded Raptors will challenge the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 1 is Saturday in Cleveland.

“We knew from when we talked in training camp, that was our goal,” said Barnes, the only player in the league with 600 rebounds, 400 assists and 100 blocked shots in a single season. “I think we were all confident then that we could get it done. It’s just great that we went out and did it.”

Toronto (46-36) moved past the Atlanta Hawks on the final day of the regular season, locking it into a matchup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers. Cleveland (52-30) is making its fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

The Raptors went 3-0 against the Cavaliers this season with Barnes averaging 20.0 points and team-highs of 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 blocks. Brandon Ingram scored 37 points in their final meeting on Nov. 24 and averaged 22.7 points in the set.

All three games occurred long before Cleveland acquired Harden in a trade-deadline deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers were 19-7 with the future Hall of Famer in the lineup and won 35 of their final 49 contests.

“We’re a lot different team now,” said reigning Defensive Player of the Year Mobley, who was chosen one spot ahead of Barnes in the 2021 draft at No. 3. “We’ll have to adjust accordingly on how they play, but it’s a good matchup. Toronto has a lot of great players like Scottie and Brandon Ingram.”

Mobley and Barnes will always be linked because of their draft order and the low-key rivalry that developed with both playing the same position. Injuries limited Mobley to 65 games this season, but he still averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and a career-high 1.7 blocks.

Their head-to-head battle was the main talking point in Toronto going into the series, while most in Cleveland remain focused on Harden’s elusive quest for a first championship in his 17th season. He has made the playoffs every year.

“It’s like a spin cycle, a lot of up and downs, once you get here,” Harden said. “A lot of different things happen in a game and in a series. Toronto is a really good team, but we’re prepared. We know what we need to do.”

Harden’s ability to execute in half-court sets gives the Cavaliers a dynamic they didn’t have in the last three postseasons. The ninth-leading scorer in NBA history also figures to attack Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

The shooting guard matchup pits Cleveland’s top scorer and face of the franchise, seven-time All-Star Mitchell, against RJ Barrett. Raptors center Jakob Poeltl said he will be “as physical as possible” against Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen.

“You’re playing the same team over and over, so the deeper you go, the sets and plays have less value because everyone can scout,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said. “It’s more about the tendencies of the players and are you playing to their strengths or your strengths.”

Quickley was again limited to individual workouts Friday in Toronto. Cleveland’s only question mark is backup center Thomas Bryant (left calf strain), who last played on April 5 and appears unlikely to suit up.

This is the fourth time the teams will square off in the playoffs, where the Cavaliers eliminated the Raptors in the 2016 conference finals, and the 2017 and 2018 semifinals. Toronto was swept in the latter two series and is 0-7 all-time in playoff games in Cleveland.

“This is when we earn our money,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “The flowers are blooming, it’s warm and you just feel the energy. It’s like a renewal. Truly the best time of the year.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Storylines #abound #Scottie #Barnes #Raptors #open #series #Cavs

Sports news April 18, 2026

Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Success came quickly for Toronto Raptors power forward Scottie Barnes, who won the Rookie of the Year award and got a taste of the playoffs four years ago.

Two All-Star selections followed, but a return to the postseason proved elusive until now.

The fifth-seeded Raptors will challenge the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 1 is Saturday in Cleveland.

“We knew from when we talked in training camp, that was our goal,” said Barnes, the only player in the league with 600 rebounds, 400 assists and 100 blocked shots in a single season. “I think we were all confident then that we could get it done. It’s just great that we went out and did it.”

Toronto (46-36) moved past the Atlanta Hawks on the final day of the regular season, locking it into a matchup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers. Cleveland (52-30) is making its fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

The Raptors went 3-0 against the Cavaliers this season with Barnes averaging 20.0 points and team-highs of 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 blocks. Brandon Ingram scored 37 points in their final meeting on Nov. 24 and averaged 22.7 points in the set.

All three games occurred long before Cleveland acquired Harden in a trade-deadline deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers were 19-7 with the future Hall of Famer in the lineup and won 35 of their final 49 contests.

“We’re a lot different team now,” said reigning Defensive Player of the Year Mobley, who was chosen one spot ahead of Barnes in the 2021 draft at No. 3. “We’ll have to adjust accordingly on how they play, but it’s a good matchup. Toronto has a lot of great players like Scottie and Brandon Ingram.”

Mobley and Barnes will always be linked because of their draft order and the low-key rivalry that developed with both playing the same position. Injuries limited Mobley to 65 games this season, but he still averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and a career-high 1.7 blocks.

Their head-to-head battle was the main talking point in Toronto going into the series, while most in Cleveland remain focused on Harden’s elusive quest for a first championship in his 17th season. He has made the playoffs every year.

“It’s like a spin cycle, a lot of up and downs, once you get here,” Harden said. “A lot of different things happen in a game and in a series. Toronto is a really good team, but we’re prepared. We know what we need to do.”

Harden’s ability to execute in half-court sets gives the Cavaliers a dynamic they didn’t have in the last three postseasons. The ninth-leading scorer in NBA history also figures to attack Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

The shooting guard matchup pits Cleveland’s top scorer and face of the franchise, seven-time All-Star Mitchell, against RJ Barrett. Raptors center Jakob Poeltl said he will be “as physical as possible” against Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen.

“You’re playing the same team over and over, so the deeper you go, the sets and plays have less value because everyone can scout,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said. “It’s more about the tendencies of the players and are you playing to their strengths or your strengths.”

Quickley was again limited to individual workouts Friday in Toronto. Cleveland’s only question mark is backup center Thomas Bryant (left calf strain), who last played on April 5 and appears unlikely to suit up.

This is the fourth time the teams will square off in the playoffs, where the Cavaliers eliminated the Raptors in the 2016 conference finals, and the 2017 and 2018 semifinals. Toronto was swept in the latter two series and is 0-7 all-time in playoff games in Cleveland.

“This is when we earn our money,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “The flowers are blooming, it’s warm and you just feel the energy. It’s like a renewal. Truly the best time of the year.”

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Storylines #abound #Scottie #Barnes #Raptors #open #series #Cavs

Serie A: Inter takes another step forward to win title; Como has Champions League ambitions dented <div id="content-body-70876449" itemprop="articleBody">Inter Milan took another step towards the Serie A title on Friday by comfortably beating Cagliari 3-0 and taking a provisional 12-point lead at the top of the table.Quickfire strikes shortly after half-time at the San Siro from Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella, and Piotr Zielinski’s rocket in stoppage time, took Inter to potentially one game from claiming its 21st league crown, with closest challenger Napoli hosting Lazio on Saturday.If Napoli does not beat Lazio, Inter could wrap up the Scudetto next weekend at Torino, although it would also need the reigning champion to not win its next fixture against relegation-struggler Cremonese.Regardless, Inter look destined to take the title back from Napoli with weeks to spare and was too much for Cagliari which, with five matches left in its season, is six points above the relegation zone and not yet safe from the drop.Thuram’s opener came six minutes after the break and was probably his simplest finish of the season, the France forward casually guiding home his fourth goal in three matches from Federico Dimarco’s perfect low cross.And Inter was effectively sure of the points two minutes later when Sardinian Barella, who came up through the Cagliari’s academy, smashed in the second and held his hands up in apology to his home-town team.Inter fans roared chants about its massive league lead and its distaste for local rival AC Milan as its team played out the rest of a match without exerting itself, with the second leg of its Italian Cup semifinal with Como coming up on Tuesday.Supporters had barely finished bellowing “we’re gonna win the league” when Zielinski met Dumfries’ knock-down with a perfect shot from the edge of the area which sailed past Elia Caprile and into the top corner.<h4 class="sub_head">Como blow</h4>Como heads into its Cup showdown with Inter in downbeat mood after its bid for Champions League football suffered another blow with a 1-2 defeat at Sassuolo.Cristian Volpato’s brilliant lobbed finish at the end of a rapid counterattack and a M’Bala Nzola strike, goals which came within two minutes near the end of the first half, gave Sassuolo victory in Reggio Emilia.A second straight defeat leaves Como fifth, two points behind Juventus, which hosts Bologna on Sunday night and with Roma one point behind in sixth ahead of its clash with Atalanta on Saturday.AC Milan has also been given a reprieve, the seven-time European champion in third and five points ahead of Como but on a run of three defeats in its last four fixtures.Como had looked on course to secure a sensational top four placing at half-time of last week’s home match against Inter, a fixture which Cesc Fabregas’ team led by two just before half-time.But it eventually fell to a 3-4 defeat and Friday’s loss leaves the traditionally small club, backed by tobacco giant Djarum, potentially five points away from the Champions League spots come the end of the weekend.Published on Apr 18, 2026</div> #Serie #Inter #takes #step #win #title #Como #Champions #League #ambitions #dented

#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">