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Indian sports wrap, April 30: Shreyas Iyer named Brand Ambassador for Formula 1 Official Program in India ESPORTSShreyas Iyer named brand ambassador for F1 Program in IndiaMumbai Falcons Racing Limited announced the appointment of cricketer Shreyas Iyer as the official brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India.The programme will be held under an agreement that grants Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim racing competition. The F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 is aimed at establishing a national competitive platform for emerging talent across the country.The appointment reflects Mumbai Falcons’ approach to building sporting culture and infrastructure across disciplines.Iyer has established himself as one of Indian cricket’s most consistent match-winners and a leader across formats.“Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Iyer, brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.The championship will be contested on F1 25, the official game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, featuring the same circuits, competitive formats and team liveries as the global series.Registrations will begin on April 30, 2026, through the MFRL App, available on Play Store and Apple App Store.– Team SportstarFOOTBALLDream Sports Foundation partners with Premier League for Dream Sports ChampionshipDream Sports Foundation, the sports development arm of Dream Sports, has announced a strategic partnership with the Premier League for the upcoming Dream Sports Championship, which will be held in Goa from May 3 to 14.The collaboration builds on DSF’s role as the official youth development partner of the All India Football Federation and will be integrated into key national platforms, including the Under-16 AIFF Junior League and the Dream Sports Championship.The Premier League will conduct coach-development workshops and masterclasses for participating coaches and support staff at the Dream Sports Championship and the AIFF Under-16 Junior League.The sessions will focus on training methodology, match management, physical conditioning, psychology and leadership, while bringing global best practices to the Indian football academy ecosystem.By working closely with coaches, academies and clubs across the country, DSF and the Premier League aim to support Indian football through workshops, mentorship and knowledge-exchange initiatives.– Team SportstarGOLFLIV Golf appoints independent board, targets new investors after loss of Saudi backingLIV Golf moved quickly to establish a new direction on Thursday after confirmation that Saudi backing for the circuit is set to end, announcing a new board and a search for long-term financial partners.Sources at Reuters said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund would cut funding, which has totalled more than billion a year since 2022, at the end of the league’s 2026 season.Without mentioning PIF, LIV on Thursday announced a “transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model” and a new independent board led by business consultants Gene Davis and Jon Zinman.LIV upended golf in late 2021 when, armed with PIF’s backing, it enticed some of the sport’s biggest names to leave the long-established PGA Tour.Major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed were all recruited to play team golf around the world for millions of dollars in prize money.The league will now need to convince its big-name players, who are on lucrative contracts, of its long-term viability without Saudi backing.– ReutersPublished on Apr 30, 2026 #Indian #sports #wrap #April #Shreyas #Iyer #named #Brand #Ambassador #Formula #Official #Program #India

Indian sports wrap, April 30: Shreyas Iyer named Brand Ambassador for Formula 1 Official Program in India

ESPORTS

Shreyas Iyer named brand ambassador for F1 Program in India

Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited announced the appointment of cricketer Shreyas Iyer as the official brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India.

The programme will be held under an agreement that grants Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim racing competition. The F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 is aimed at establishing a national competitive platform for emerging talent across the country.

The appointment reflects Mumbai Falcons’ approach to building sporting culture and infrastructure across disciplines.

Iyer has established himself as one of Indian cricket’s most consistent match-winners and a leader across formats.

“Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Iyer, brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.

The championship will be contested on F1 25, the official game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, featuring the same circuits, competitive formats and team liveries as the global series.

Registrations will begin on April 30, 2026, through the MFRL App, available on Play Store and Apple App Store.

– Team Sportstar

FOOTBALL

Dream Sports Foundation partners with Premier League for Dream Sports Championship

Dream Sports Foundation, the sports development arm of Dream Sports, has announced a strategic partnership with the Premier League for the upcoming Dream Sports Championship, which will be held in Goa from May 3 to 14.

The collaboration builds on DSF’s role as the official youth development partner of the All India Football Federation and will be integrated into key national platforms, including the Under-16 AIFF Junior League and the Dream Sports Championship.

The Premier League will conduct coach-development workshops and masterclasses for participating coaches and support staff at the Dream Sports Championship and the AIFF Under-16 Junior League.

The sessions will focus on training methodology, match management, physical conditioning, psychology and leadership, while bringing global best practices to the Indian football academy ecosystem.

By working closely with coaches, academies and clubs across the country, DSF and the Premier League aim to support Indian football through workshops, mentorship and knowledge-exchange initiatives.

– Team Sportstar

GOLF

LIV Golf appoints independent board, targets new investors after loss of Saudi backing

LIV Golf moved quickly to establish a new direction on Thursday after confirmation that Saudi backing for the circuit is set to end, announcing a new board and a search for long-term financial partners.

Sources at Reuters said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund would cut funding, which has totalled more than $1 billion a year since 2022, at the end of the league’s 2026 season.

Without mentioning PIF, LIV on Thursday announced a “transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model” and a new independent board led by business consultants Gene Davis and Jon Zinman.

LIV upended golf in late 2021 when, armed with PIF’s backing, it enticed some of the sport’s biggest names to leave the long-established PGA Tour.

Major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed were all recruited to play team golf around the world for millions of dollars in prize money.

The league will now need to convince its big-name players, who are on lucrative contracts, of its long-term viability without Saudi backing.

– Reuters

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Indian #sports #wrap #April #Shreyas #Iyer #named #Brand #Ambassador #Formula #Official #Program #India

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

ESPORTS

Shreyas Iyer named brand ambassador for F1 Program in India

Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited announced the appointment of cricketer Shreyas Iyer as the official brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India.

The programme will be held under an agreement that grants Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim racing competition. The F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 is aimed at establishing a national competitive platform for emerging talent across the country.

The appointment reflects Mumbai Falcons’ approach to building sporting culture and infrastructure across disciplines.

Iyer has established himself as one of Indian cricket’s most consistent match-winners and a leader across formats.

“Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Iyer, brand ambassador for the F1 Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.

The championship will be contested on F1 25, the official game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, featuring the same circuits, competitive formats and team liveries as the global series.

Registrations will begin on April 30, 2026, through the MFRL App, available on Play Store and Apple App Store.

– Team Sportstar

FOOTBALL

Dream Sports Foundation partners with Premier League for Dream Sports Championship

Dream Sports Foundation, the sports development arm of Dream Sports, has announced a strategic partnership with the Premier League for the upcoming Dream Sports Championship, which will be held in Goa from May 3 to 14.

The collaboration builds on DSF’s role as the official youth development partner of the All India Football Federation and will be integrated into key national platforms, including the Under-16 AIFF Junior League and the Dream Sports Championship.

The Premier League will conduct coach-development workshops and masterclasses for participating coaches and support staff at the Dream Sports Championship and the AIFF Under-16 Junior League.

The sessions will focus on training methodology, match management, physical conditioning, psychology and leadership, while bringing global best practices to the Indian football academy ecosystem.

By working closely with coaches, academies and clubs across the country, DSF and the Premier League aim to support Indian football through workshops, mentorship and knowledge-exchange initiatives.

– Team Sportstar

GOLF

LIV Golf appoints independent board, targets new investors after loss of Saudi backing

LIV Golf moved quickly to establish a new direction on Thursday after confirmation that Saudi backing for the circuit is set to end, announcing a new board and a search for long-term financial partners.

Sources at Reuters said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund would cut funding, which has totalled more than $1 billion a year since 2022, at the end of the league’s 2026 season.

Without mentioning PIF, LIV on Thursday announced a “transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model” and a new independent board led by business consultants Gene Davis and Jon Zinman.

LIV upended golf in late 2021 when, armed with PIF’s backing, it enticed some of the sport’s biggest names to leave the long-established PGA Tour.

Major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed were all recruited to play team golf around the world for millions of dollars in prize money.

The league will now need to convince its big-name players, who are on lucrative contracts, of its long-term viability without Saudi backing.

– Reuters

Published on Apr 30, 2026

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Deadspin | Torrid Jannik Sinner, Arthur Fils move on in Madrid <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28510668.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28510668.jpg" alt="Syndication: Desert Sun" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jannik Sinner reaches for a backhand during his victory over Daniil Medvedev in the men’s final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 15, 2026.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Top-seeded Jannik Sinner saved all seven break points he faced and stretched his winning streak to 21 matches by taking down Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6 (0) on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Sinner stroked 28 winners against 12 unforced errors while winning the quarterfinal match in one hour, 55 minutes against the 19-year-old Spaniard, who is a native of Madrid.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Sinner was pushed hard in the second set by Jodar before dominating a tiebreaker to win the match.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner said of Jodar. “He’s an incredible player. I tried to be ready as much as I could. But I’m incredibly happy. It was a very high quality match. I got a bit lucky in the second set, but also had a bit of experience. I’m obviously very happy to be in the semis here for the first time. It means a lot to me.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Sinner will face No. 21 Arthur Fils of France in his semifinal match. Fils recorded a 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over No. 11 Jiri Lehecka of Czechia.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Sinner won the lone career meeting between the two in 2023 in the Montpellier semifinals.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“It is a good battle,” Fils said of facing Sinner. “He is the World No. 1, he is a big champion. He won Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo. I am going to try my best and play my best tennis and enjoy myself on the court. It is nice to come on the court as an underdog.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Fils is also hot with nine straight victories. He won the title at Barcelona earlier this month before four straight wins in Madrid.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Sinner’s last setback came against Czech Jacub Mensik in the quarterfinals at Doha on Feb. 19.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>He has won his past three tournaments, claiming the Sunshine Double by winning Indian Wells and Miami and then triumphing at Monte Carlo earlier this month.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Sinner had a 6-4 edge in aces against Jodar and won 72.5% (37 of 51) of his first-serve points.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Jodar had 19 winners against 16 unforced errors. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Fils, 21, won 85.7% (30 of 35) of his first-serve points while dispatching Lehecka in just 74 minutes.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The strong effort allowed Fils to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal match for the second time in his career. The first was in Miami in March, when, coincidentally, he lost to Lehecka.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“I am very happy to be in the semis here, as the last two years, I had never won a match or a set here, so to be in the semis feels very good,” Fils said. “When it is slow and heavier (conditions) I feel good. I know with my fitness, I can hold for three or four hours in these conditions. I feel very good.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Lehecka had six aces but didn’t receive a single break-point opportunity.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Torrid #Jannik #Sinner #Arthur #Fils #move #Madrid

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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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