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ISL 2025-26: Ryan Williams chases silverware with Bengaluru FC after shining for India on debut Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat “(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says. Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut

ISL 2025-26: Ryan Williams chases silverware with Bengaluru FC after shining for India on debut

Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.

“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.

“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”

But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

ISL 2025-26: Ryan Williams chases silverware with Bengaluru FC after shining for India on debut Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat “(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says. Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut

Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

lightbox-info

Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

“(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.

“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”

The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.

“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.

“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”

But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.

Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.

“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.

“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

lightbox-info

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.

“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.

Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.

“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.

Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut

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Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.

“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.

“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”

But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
| Photo Credit:
Thulasi Kakkat

lightbox-info

Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
| Photo Credit:
Thulasi Kakkat

“(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.

“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”

The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.

“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.

“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”

But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.

Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.

“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.

“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions.
| Photo Credit:
K. Murali Kumar

lightbox-info

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions.
| Photo Credit:
K. Murali Kumar

Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.

“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.

Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.

“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.

Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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Deadspin | Lightning, with home ice vs. Habs assured, oppose Rangers in tune-up <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-900/28695338.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28695338.jpg" alt="NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>When Tampa Bay hosts the New York Rangers in the regular-season finale on Wednesday, the Lightning know they won’t need to pack their bags postgame.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Thanks to the Canadiens’ 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, the Lightning (50-25-6, 106 points) clinched second place in the Atlantic Division, and Montreal (48-24-10, 106 points) will finish third. The Canadiens will open a first-round playoff series in Tampa this weekend.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>While the Lightning, if they lose in regulation to the Rangers, would finish level on points with the Canadiens, Tampa Bay owns the regulation-wins tiebreaker (40-34).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Rangers (33-39-9, 75 points), who will finish a dreadful campaign last in the Eastern Conference, are 1-1-0 against the Lightning.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The previous matchups have been blowouts. New York won 7-3 at Tampa on Nov. 12, while the Lightning returned the favor in a 4-1 win on the road against the Rangers on Nov. 29.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Darker times were ahead for the Rangers after Black Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Coach Mike Sullivan’s crew fell out of the wild-card race after going 10-17-5 during a three-month stretch in December, January and a truncated February due to the Winter Olympics.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>On Monday, the Rangers celebrated the career of retiring goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was starting his final game. However, they lost 3-2 as the Florida Panthers played a defensive-minded game and cashed in three times in their 16 shots and beat the 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>“I thought Quicky played well for us,” said Sullivan, whose group all wore the goalie’s No. 32 sweater in warmups. “Obviously, tonight was about a celebration for him. … He’s an inspiration to all of us, just in his example and how he carries himself. In a lot of ways, he personifies what we hope to become as a group.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>“His work ethic, his attention to detail, just incredible attitude. His professionalism is second to no one’s. … We’re all better that we’ve had the opportunity to work with him.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Lightning recorded a 4-3 overtime victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, helping them keep pace with Montreal after they squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime on his team’s first possession by finishing a give-and-go created by Brayden Point, leading to a two-on-one rush that produced the victory.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lightning coach Jon Cooper thinks Kucherov should be awarded a second Hart Trophy after winning his first for the 2018-19 season. He leads Tampa Bay in goals (44), assists (86) and points (130).</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“There are some fabulous players in this league. … He’s pretty darn important to us,” said Cooper after his team put itself in position to control its playoff destination this weekend. “Could you make a case for a bunch of guys? Yes. But I think it’s pretty evident that Kuch has made a name for himself this year, that he should be the guy.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got a toe on Alex DeBrincat’s breakaway try on the first shot in overtime, keeping the match alive and leading to Kucherov’s winner nine seconds later.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>A strong Vezina Trophy candidate, Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins and owns a 39-15-4 record. The 2018-19 Vezina winner boasts a 2.31 goals-against average (second-best in the league) and a .912 save percentage (tied for third).</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Lightning #home #ice #Habs #assured #oppose #Rangers #tuneup

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Deadspin | Raiders receiving calls about No. 1 NFL draft pick <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-900/28330238.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28330238.jpg" alt="NFL: Scouting Combine" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Despite all signs pointing to the Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has fielded calls from teams inquiring about the availability of the pick.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>“We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said Tuesday at his pre-draft news conference.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Spytek, who stated that he is keeping an open mind regarding trade offers, also addressed the topic of deals materializing during draft night.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>“If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek said. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.”</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>If the Raiders do select Mendoza, the former Indiana star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner would be the 30th quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the common draft era, which began in 1967.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Mendoza, who guided the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and their first national title in football in 2025, would be competing with veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas. Along with new head coach Klint Kubiak, Spytek would rather see a rookie QB begin as a backup to a veteran.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently. We added Kirk, we have Aidan, and we’ll see how it goes.”</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Raiders #receiving #calls #NFL #draft #pick

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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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