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Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.Las Vegas RaidersThe Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaPicking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.New York GiantsThe Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., MiamiDripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.Seattle SeahawksThe Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots. #Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com
Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.Las Vegas RaidersThe Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaPicking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.New York GiantsThe Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., MiamiDripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.Seattle SeahawksThe Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots. #Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.comFeb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.

So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.

Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Picking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.

New York Giants

The Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Dripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.

Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesOct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. 

In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. 

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.

#Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.

So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.

Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Picking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.

New York Giants

The Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Dripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.

Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesOct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. 

In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. 

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi walks off injured in Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 contest <div id="content-body-70906351" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi limped off the field injured during the IPL 2026 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.</p><p>The 15-year-old went down clutching his hamstring after the third over of SRH’s chase of 229 and was helped off the field by the physio.</p><p>Sooryavanshi had blazed his way to a second IPL century in the first essay to help his side post a 220-plus total in Jaipur. He got to three figures off just 36 balls, one ball slower than his previous fastest last season.</p><p>He also became the youngest player to cross 1000 T20 runs en route the majestic ton at his franchise’s home stadium.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Vaibhav #Sooryavanshi #walks #injured #Rajasthan #Royals #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #IPL #contest

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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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