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Former Austria goalkeeper Manninger dies aged 48 after car-train collision Former Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who played for Arsenal and a string of Italian clubs, died in a road accident on Thursday aged 48, the Austrian Football Association (OEFB) said.The Kronen Zeitung and other media reported that Manninger’s vehicle was hit by a passenger train at an unmanned crossing near the Austrian city of Salzburg.Manninger made 33 appearances for Austria and played for Arsenal, mainly as a reserve, between 1997 and 2001. He ended his career at Liverpool during the 2016-17 season.In Italy, he played for Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese and Juventus.“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch,” OEFB sporting director Peter Schöttel said in a statement.“With his international career, he set standards and inspired and shaped many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his teams and the national side.”Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Austria #goalkeeper #Manninger #dies #aged #cartrain #collision

Former Austria goalkeeper Manninger dies aged 48 after car-train collision

Former Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who played for Arsenal and a string of Italian clubs, died in a road accident on Thursday aged 48, the Austrian Football Association (OEFB) said.

The Kronen Zeitung and other media reported that Manninger’s vehicle was hit by a passenger train at an unmanned crossing near the Austrian city of Salzburg.

Manninger made 33 appearances for Austria and played for Arsenal, mainly as a reserve, between 1997 and 2001. He ended his career at Liverpool during the 2016-17 season.

In Italy, he played for Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese and Juventus.

“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch,” OEFB sporting director Peter Schöttel said in a statement.

“With his international career, he set standards and inspired and shaped many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his teams and the national side.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Austria #goalkeeper #Manninger #dies #aged #cartrain #collision

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , ,

Former Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who played for Arsenal and a string of Italian clubs, died in a road accident on Thursday aged 48, the Austrian Football Association (OEFB) said.

The Kronen Zeitung and other media reported that Manninger’s vehicle was hit by a passenger train at an unmanned crossing near the Austrian city of Salzburg.

Manninger made 33 appearances for Austria and played for Arsenal, mainly as a reserve, between 1997 and 2001. He ended his career at Liverpool during the 2016-17 season.

In Italy, he played for Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese and Juventus.

“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch,” OEFB sporting director Peter Schöttel said in a statement.

“With his international career, he set standards and inspired and shaped many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his teams and the national side.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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अब इस फिल्म में भी देखने को मिलेगा Sunny Deol का अभिनय, हो गया है ऐलान<p><img src="https://static.samacharjagatlive.com/newscdn/resources/uploads/ALL-NEWS/16042026/1776312211.jpg" width="600px" /> </p> <p><strong>इंटरनेट डेस्क। </strong>बॉर्डर, बॉर्डर 2 के बाद अब बॉर्डर 3 भी दर्शकों को देखने को मिलेगी। जेपी फिल्म्स ने अगली फिल्म की तैयारी शुरू कर दी है। इस फिल्म में एक बार सनी देओल का अभिनय देखने को मिलेगा। आपको बात दे कि बॉलीवुड अभिनेता सनी देओल और वरुण धवन स्टारर फिल्म बॉर्डर 2 ने 450 करोड़ वर्ल्डवाइड की सफल कमाई की थी।</p> <p>इस फिल्म की सफलता को देखते हुए जेपी फिल्म्स ने बॉर्डर के तीसरे पार्ट को बनाने की तैयारी कर ली है। खबरों के अनुसार, बॉर्डर 3 तक लोगों में रियल-लाइफ हीरोइज्म वाले क्रेज़ को बरकरार देख प्रोड्यूसर निधि दत्ता ने एक अगली फिल्म को लेकर एक बड़ा प्लान बनाया है।</p> <p>इस फिल्म की कहानी में लीड रोल में फिर से सनी देओल ही नजर आएंगे। इस फिल्म को साल 2027 का सबसे बड़ा प्रोजेक्ट माना जा रहा है। दर्शकों में अभी से इस फिर के प्रति उत्सुकता बढ़ गई है। बॉर्डर और बॉर्डर 2 में शानदार अभिनय से सनी देओल से सभी का दिल जीता है।</p> <p>PC:ndtv<br /> अपडेट खबरों के लिए हमारा<a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHJjbnAjPXVBcdtHk0P">वॉट्सएप चैनल</a><a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBgLMfGU3BO99EQv62t"></a>फोलो करें</p> <p></p> Sunny Deol, Bollywood news, Hindi news

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Malachi Lawrence, Rueben Bain among top-ranked edges in 2026 NFL Draft <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The 2026 NFL Draft class may not be loaded with premier talent at the top of the draft, but teams in need of pass rushers will find plenty of depth on the board next week. Five edge rushers are currently ranked in the top 32 spots on the <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2026/consensus-big-board-2026?pos=EDGE">Mock Draft Database consensus board</a>, and several others could easily find their way into the first round mix.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Seven edge defenders came off the board in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, but that number fell off in 2024 (4) and 2025 (5). Still, this is undoubtedly one of the most coveted position in the NFL after quarterback, and scoring a difference-making edge rusher on a rookie contract is among the most valuable things a GM can add to their team.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">But it also might be the most difficult position to scout accurately. The few no-brainers – Myles Garrett, Will Anderson, Nick Bosa, etc. – tend to work out as expected, but the bust rate has been high at this position too, and plenty of talent somehow still slips through to the later rounds. I recently compiled a rough ranking of my top 20 edge defenders in the NFL. Amongst the names, 10 were first round picks, and 10 were picked no. 64 or later in the draft.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In other words, it pays to be anti-consensus in your pre-draft rankings, because 3-4 years from draft day, edge defender classes are stacking up much differently than they were before the draft. Having said that, being different than consensus doesn’t automatically ensure you’ll be right either. So here is my best shot at ranking the 2026 edge defender class based on tape study and advanced stats.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Lawrence may not have the reputation of a top edge defender, but in a class where all of the top edges have flaws, I’ll take my chances with the long-armed, Central Florida pass rusher. Lawrence took some time to grow into the player he became in 2025, when he posted seven sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss. Lawrence has the burst off the ball, the cornering ability at the top of the arc and the sophisticated hand usage to battle through contact at the top of the arc.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Bain has been billed by many as a speed-to-power rusher, but while that is in the bag for him, he mostly wins as a high-side threat thanks to his pad level at the top of the arc. The Miami product’s forward lean into his rushes makes it very difficult for tackles to hit him squarely in pass protection. As for Bain’s short arms, I’m less concerned with that part of his profile than I am his limited overall athletic ability, which could hinder his ability to drop-and-cover, play in space against the run and change direction as a pass rusher.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If I was just ranking the best edge defenders in the class off of 2025 season tape, there is a great chance Mesidor would be no. 1. His explosiveness off the ball and shiftiness as a pass rusher resulted in a late-college breakout 12.5-sack, 17.5-tackle for loss season. Unfortunately, Mesidor has a history of injuries, turned 25 two weeks ago and provided no athletic testing during the pre-draft process by choice, not due to injury.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">4. David Bailey, Texas Tech</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Bailey has the length, size and explosiveness you look for in a top pass rusher, erupting off the ball to win the edge repeatedly at the college level. Things will get harder in the NFL, where better tackles will force him to play with more nuance and consistency as a rusher. If Bailey improves his pass rush plan execution and efficiency against better competition, he’ll be in the conversation for best edge in the class despite his struggles at the point-of-attack in the run game.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">5. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If I could only pick a single player from this draft to win a pass rush rep with my life on the line, I would pick Howell. His speed up the arc and cornering ability are stuff that wins in the NFL, consistently threatening offensive tackles on their outside shoulder. Howell isn’t incapable when it comes to converting speed-to-power either, but his lack of length and mass make it more difficult to see a full-time role in his future.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">6. Keyron Crawford, Auburn</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Did you know that Keyron Crawford had more sacks, pressures, quarterback hits and a better pass rush win rate (PFF) than Keldric Faulk, despite 76 fewer opportunities to rush the passer? Crawford is a guy I’m betting on in this class, with the ability to drop and cover, move around the front, be a critical part of pressure packages and even win 1v1 at a budding rate off the edge.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">7. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Thomas fits into a similar bucket to Cashius Howell as players who may get stuck in a Nick Herbig-type of NFL role due to size/length concerns. But there are few more valuable roles for a defensive player than being able to rush the passer, which Thomas will have more chances to do 1v1 outside of Oklahoma’s scheme. The flashes of burst/bend/hand usage on tape are what you’re buying for a still fairly unproven player.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">8. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Give me players who compete with zero hesitation, top-notch explosiveness and extreme violence on the edge of the defensive front. Barham looked like a natural in his first year as a full-time edge for Michigan in 2025, dominating against the run while beginning to show real pass rush ability for the first time.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Jacas is a big riser for me over the past week, as I explored a few of his games I hadn’t studied yet. He needs to clean up his stance to maximize his get-off in the NFL, but the twitch off the ball, violent style of play and flashes of speed-counter rush plans eventually won me over. The best might be yet to come for Jacas in the NFL.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">10. Keldric Faulk, Auburn</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I’m lower on Faulk than consensus, even though I agree he can be better in the NFL with further development as a pass rusher. He’ll need to be, as Faulk barely made a statistical dent in college on passing downs. There are flashes of ability, but the explosiveness and high side rush ability to win the edge consistently are missing. Could Faulk be destined for a move inside, at least on passing downs?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">11. Derrick Moore, Michigan</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Everyone has the same assessment of Moore — a solid player whose upside is limited, but can probably help any defense as a rotational player sharing the load up front. Moore is another player who needs to fix his pre-snap stance to ensure a better get-off at the snap, but his stop/start hesitation move rushes are some of the best in the class.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">12. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Josephs is an unbelievably talented football player with frustratingly little consistency, attention to detail or sound mental processing in his game. I love his explosiveness off the ball, violence into contact and elite physical tools, but he’s played less than 1,200 career snaps at Tennessee, often looks confused on the field and has an under-developed pass rush plan resulting in very poor career production (9.5 sacks).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Young’s last couple weeks of the season were encouraging, as he finally looked like he was figuring it out a little bit as a pass rusher. He has an unbelievable physical build, but is really athletically limited compared to most of the players above him on this list. Without elite burst off the ball, speed up the arc or bend around the corner, Young needs to be a bully who wins with pass rush savvy and power. He’s not there yet, but there is potential, especially as an inside rusher.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">14. Romello Height, Texas Tech</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Try as I might, I can’t quit Romello Height. That’s been one of the themes of evaluating the 25-year old Height as I attempt to reconcile Height’s six years in four different college programs with very little to show for it until 2025. At Texas Tech his twitchiness and change-of-direction ability allowed him to blossom as a speed-counter rusher, but Height struggles to hold up physically in a big role at a lanky 239 pounds.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Parker is the edge rusher I’m lowest on compared to consensus, as I just don’t see the type of athletic profile or pass rush skill set to value highly off the edge in the NFL, in his 2024 or 2025 tape. Parker isn’t the type of player who will threaten offensive linemen with speed or quickness, which limits the effectiveness of his power game too. As a run defender he holds his own in the box, but won’t be a really impactful player outside of that space.</p></div></div> #Malachi #Lawrence #Rueben #Bain #among #topranked #edges #NFL #Draft

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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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