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Every record Kylian Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup Kylian Mbappé is just 27 years old.But the French superstar is embarking on his third World Cup, and his latest run at glory begins later today as France takes on Senegal. And when they do, Mbappé’s prodigious track record has the forward on the cusp of several records on the sport’s biggest stage.Here is every national and international record Mbappé can break at this year’s World Cup.Update Monday June 22: Mbappé scored early against Iraq to continue his march up the record books.Previous: With this goal against Senegal, Mbappé has now moved up in several of these categories:Update: Mbappé’s second goal against Senegal has moved him to the top of two different records for France.French national records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World CupMbappé is on the verge of breaking several national records at the 2026 World Cup.French National Team record goalsMbappé enters the 2026 World Cup just one goal behind Olivier Giroud for the French National Team:Kylian Mbappé: 59 GoalsOlivier Giroud: 57 GoalsThierry Henry: 51 GoalsAntoine Griezmann: 44 GoalsMichel Platini: 41 GoalsWith just one goal, Mbappé would match Giroud atop the French record books, and a pair of goals would put Mbappé at the top of the list.Update Monday June 22: Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq moved him two clear of Giroud on this list.Previous: Mbappé’s first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Giroud with 57 goals for the French National Team. His second moved him to the top.French National Team World Cup goalsIn addition to becoming France’s all-time leading goal scorer, Mbappé can become the nation’s top goal scorer in World Cup matches this year. Just Fontaine currently holds that mark, as the French legend scored a stunning 13 goals in just six matches at the 1958 World Cup, a record that still stands for goals in a single tournament.Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:Kylian Mbappé: 15 GoalsJust Fontaine: 13 GoalsThierry Henry: 6 GoalsZinedine Zidane: 5 GoalsMichel Platini: 5 GoalsOlivier Giroud: 5 GoalsUpdate: Mbappé’ first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Fontaine with 13 World Cup goals for France. His second moved him to the top of the pile.International records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World CupIn addition to the French records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup, he can also break some international records at the 2026 World Cup, or even add to one that he already holds.With another standout run of play, Mbappé could become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history.Currently, that record is held by Miroslav Klose from Germany, who tops the list with 16 goals. Klose is followed by Ronaldo (15), Gerd Müller (14), and Lionel Messi, who is chasing that mark as well as he enters play with 13 World Cup goals on his legendary resume.Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:Lionel Messi: 18 GoalsMiroslav Klose: 16 GoalsRonaldo: 15 GoalsKylian Mbappé: 15 GoalsGerd Müller: 14 GoalsJust Fontaine: 13 GoalsPelé: 12 GoalsUpdate Monday June 22: Messi’s brace against Austria pulled him to the top of this list, but Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq pulled the French star level with Ronaldo for third all-time.Previously: With his goal against Senegal, Mbappé now has 13 World Cup goals, putting him level with Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi. His second pulled him ahead of that pair, and level with Gerd Müller.Messi’s hat trick against Algeria has moved him level with Miroslav Klose on this list.All-Time World Cup Finals GoalsThis is one record Mbappé already holds.He could theoretically add to it this year.Mbappé scored one goal in the 2018 World Cup Finals, when France defeated Croatia 4-2. He scored three more goals during the 2022 Finals, when France lost to Messi and Argentina on penalties.Here is the list of all-time goal scorers in the World Cup Finals:Kylian Mbappé: 4 GoalsGeoff Hurst: 3 GoalsVavá: 3 GoalsPelé: 3 GoalsZinedine Zidane: 3 GoalsGino Colaussi: 2 GoalsSilvio Piola: 2 GoalsHelmut Rahn: 2 GoalsMario Kempes: 2 GoalsPaul Breitner: 2 GoalsRonaldo: 2 GoalsLionel Messi: 2 GoalsIn the history of the World Cup, no player has won the Golden Boot twice.Mbappé could change that this year.The French star won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, thanks to the eight goals he scored in France’s run to the Finals. But if he were to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, he would become the first player in the over 90-year history of the World Cup to secure that honor twice. #record #Kylian #Mbappé #break #World #Cup

Every record Kylian Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbappé is just 27 years old.

But the French superstar is embarking on his third World Cup, and his latest run at glory begins later today as France takes on Senegal. And when they do, Mbappé’s prodigious track record has the forward on the cusp of several records on the sport’s biggest stage.

Here is every national and international record Mbappé can break at this year’s World Cup.

Update Monday June 22: Mbappé scored early against Iraq to continue his march up the record books.

Previous: With this goal against Senegal, Mbappé has now moved up in several of these categories:

Update: Mbappé’s second goal against Senegal has moved him to the top of two different records for France.

French national records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup

Mbappé is on the verge of breaking several national records at the 2026 World Cup.

French National Team record goals

Mbappé enters the 2026 World Cup just one goal behind Olivier Giroud for the French National Team:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 59 Goals
  • Olivier Giroud: 57 Goals
  • Thierry Henry: 51 Goals
  • Antoine Griezmann: 44 Goals
  • Michel Platini: 41 Goals

With just one goal, Mbappé would match Giroud atop the French record books, and a pair of goals would put Mbappé at the top of the list.

Update Monday June 22: Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq moved him two clear of Giroud on this list.

Previous: Mbappé’s first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Giroud with 57 goals for the French National Team. His second moved him to the top.

French National Team World Cup goals

In addition to becoming France’s all-time leading goal scorer, Mbappé can become the nation’s top goal scorer in World Cup matches this year. Just Fontaine currently holds that mark, as the French legend scored a stunning 13 goals in just six matches at the 1958 World Cup, a record that still stands for goals in a single tournament.

Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 15 Goals
  • Just Fontaine: 13 Goals
  • Thierry Henry: 6 Goals
  • Zinedine Zidane: 5 Goals
  • Michel Platini: 5 Goals
  • Olivier Giroud: 5 Goals

Update: Mbappé’ first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Fontaine with 13 World Cup goals for France. His second moved him to the top of the pile.

International records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup

In addition to the French records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup, he can also break some international records at the 2026 World Cup, or even add to one that he already holds.

With another standout run of play, Mbappé could become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history.

Currently, that record is held by Miroslav Klose from Germany, who tops the list with 16 goals. Klose is followed by Ronaldo (15), Gerd Müller (14), and Lionel Messi, who is chasing that mark as well as he enters play with 13 World Cup goals on his legendary resume.

Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:

  • Lionel Messi: 18 Goals
  • Miroslav Klose: 16 Goals
  • Ronaldo: 15 Goals
  • Kylian Mbappé: 15 Goals
  • Gerd Müller: 14 Goals
  • Just Fontaine: 13 Goals
  • Pelé: 12 Goals

Update Monday June 22: Messi’s brace against Austria pulled him to the top of this list, but Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq pulled the French star level with Ronaldo for third all-time.

Previously: With his goal against Senegal, Mbappé now has 13 World Cup goals, putting him level with Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi. His second pulled him ahead of that pair, and level with Gerd Müller.

Messi’s hat trick against Algeria has moved him level with Miroslav Klose on this list.

All-Time World Cup Finals Goals

This is one record Mbappé already holds.

He could theoretically add to it this year.

Mbappé scored one goal in the 2018 World Cup Finals, when France defeated Croatia 4-2. He scored three more goals during the 2022 Finals, when France lost to Messi and Argentina on penalties.

Here is the list of all-time goal scorers in the World Cup Finals:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 4 Goals
  • Geoff Hurst: 3 Goals
  • Vavá: 3 Goals
  • Pelé: 3 Goals
  • Zinedine Zidane: 3 Goals
  • Gino Colaussi: 2 Goals
  • Silvio Piola: 2 Goals
  • Helmut Rahn: 2 Goals
  • Mario Kempes: 2 Goals
  • Paul Breitner: 2 Goals
  • Ronaldo: 2 Goals
  • Lionel Messi: 2 Goals

In the history of the World Cup, no player has won the Golden Boot twice.

Mbappé could change that this year.

The French star won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, thanks to the eight goals he scored in France’s run to the Finals. But if he were to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, he would become the first player in the over 90-year history of the World Cup to secure that honor twice.

#record #Kylian #Mbappé #break #World #Cup

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Kylian Mbappé is just 27 years old.

But the French superstar is embarking on his third World Cup, and his latest run at glory begins later today as France takes on Senegal. And when they do, Mbappé’s prodigious track record has the forward on the cusp of several records on the sport’s biggest stage.

Here is every national and international record Mbappé can break at this year’s World Cup.

Update Monday June 22: Mbappé scored early against Iraq to continue his march up the record books.

Previous: With this goal against Senegal, Mbappé has now moved up in several of these categories:

Update: Mbappé’s second goal against Senegal has moved him to the top of two different records for France.

French national records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup

Mbappé is on the verge of breaking several national records at the 2026 World Cup.

French National Team record goals

Mbappé enters the 2026 World Cup just one goal behind Olivier Giroud for the French National Team:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 59 Goals
  • Olivier Giroud: 57 Goals
  • Thierry Henry: 51 Goals
  • Antoine Griezmann: 44 Goals
  • Michel Platini: 41 Goals

With just one goal, Mbappé would match Giroud atop the French record books, and a pair of goals would put Mbappé at the top of the list.

Update Monday June 22: Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq moved him two clear of Giroud on this list.

Previous: Mbappé’s first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Giroud with 57 goals for the French National Team. His second moved him to the top.

French National Team World Cup goals

In addition to becoming France’s all-time leading goal scorer, Mbappé can become the nation’s top goal scorer in World Cup matches this year. Just Fontaine currently holds that mark, as the French legend scored a stunning 13 goals in just six matches at the 1958 World Cup, a record that still stands for goals in a single tournament.

Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 15 Goals
  • Just Fontaine: 13 Goals
  • Thierry Henry: 6 Goals
  • Zinedine Zidane: 5 Goals
  • Michel Platini: 5 Goals
  • Olivier Giroud: 5 Goals

Update: Mbappé’ first goal against Senegal pulled him level with Fontaine with 13 World Cup goals for France. His second moved him to the top of the pile.

International records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup

In addition to the French records Mbappé can break at the 2026 World Cup, he can also break some international records at the 2026 World Cup, or even add to one that he already holds.

With another standout run of play, Mbappé could become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history.

Currently, that record is held by Miroslav Klose from Germany, who tops the list with 16 goals. Klose is followed by Ronaldo (15), Gerd Müller (14), and Lionel Messi, who is chasing that mark as well as he enters play with 13 World Cup goals on his legendary resume.

Here is where Mbappé stands on that list:

  • Lionel Messi: 18 Goals
  • Miroslav Klose: 16 Goals
  • Ronaldo: 15 Goals
  • Kylian Mbappé: 15 Goals
  • Gerd Müller: 14 Goals
  • Just Fontaine: 13 Goals
  • Pelé: 12 Goals

Update Monday June 22: Messi’s brace against Austria pulled him to the top of this list, but Mbappé‘s goal against Iraq pulled the French star level with Ronaldo for third all-time.

Previously: With his goal against Senegal, Mbappé now has 13 World Cup goals, putting him level with Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi. His second pulled him ahead of that pair, and level with Gerd Müller.

Messi’s hat trick against Algeria has moved him level with Miroslav Klose on this list.

All-Time World Cup Finals Goals

This is one record Mbappé already holds.

He could theoretically add to it this year.

Mbappé scored one goal in the 2018 World Cup Finals, when France defeated Croatia 4-2. He scored three more goals during the 2022 Finals, when France lost to Messi and Argentina on penalties.

Here is the list of all-time goal scorers in the World Cup Finals:

  • Kylian Mbappé: 4 Goals
  • Geoff Hurst: 3 Goals
  • Vavá: 3 Goals
  • Pelé: 3 Goals
  • Zinedine Zidane: 3 Goals
  • Gino Colaussi: 2 Goals
  • Silvio Piola: 2 Goals
  • Helmut Rahn: 2 Goals
  • Mario Kempes: 2 Goals
  • Paul Breitner: 2 Goals
  • Ronaldo: 2 Goals
  • Lionel Messi: 2 Goals

In the history of the World Cup, no player has won the Golden Boot twice.

Mbappé could change that this year.

The French star won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, thanks to the eight goals he scored in France’s run to the Finals. But if he were to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, he would become the first player in the over 90-year history of the World Cup to secure that honor twice.

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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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