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Pulisic says USA team strongest yet ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Christian Pulisic believes the ​current United States team is the strongest he has been part of, with the AC Milan forward saying the squad’s quality ‌and depth should give Americans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup ​on home soil.Pulisic, long the face of U.S. football, said the team was in a good ⁠place as attention begins to build around a tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.“I think you could say so,” Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this was the best U.S. team he has been a part of. “Looking at ‌the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well.”“Multiple guys that ‌can play in every position. It’s a very strong team.”Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad ‌that ⁠is expected to include fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler ⁠Adams, defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards, and goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner.ALSO READ | Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win againFor Pulisic, who spoke to Reuters while partnering with deodorant company Degree, the chance to play a World Cup in the United States adds another layer of motivation to the sport’s biggest event.“A World Cup ​is enough motivation in itself and having it ‌in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for,” he said.HOME FIELD ADVANTAGEThe 27-year-old said he hopes American fans can give the team a major lift when the tournament begins. The U.S. faces Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.“I know the energy in ‌the stadiums is going to be great,” he said. “We want to take as much of that as ​we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”Pulisic, who has represented the U.S. since his teenage years, said wearing the national team shirt still carries deep meaning.“Representing ⁠the U.S. and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has ‌given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”CAPTAIN AMERICAAs one of the most recognisable players in U.S. football history, Pulisic has often been saddled with labels such as “Captain America” and cast as the public face of the men’s game in the country. But he said he tries to shut out that noise rather than embrace it.“I’d say I definitely tune it out,” he said. “It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.”He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in ​training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example,” he said. He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP Pulisic also said he does not feel burdened ⁠by any broader responsibility to serve as the sport’s standard-bearer in the United States, even if he hopes to inspire ⁠younger players.“I’m focused on doing my job,” he said. “If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do ‌it.”With expectations growing for the co-hosts, Pulisic was reluctant to define success by a specific finishing point, saying only that the first objective was to advance from the group stage before taking the tournament one game at ​a time.Still, his message to supporters was clear. “The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Pulisic #USA #team #strongest #ahead #FIFA #World #Cup

Pulisic says USA team strongest yet ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Christian Pulisic believes the ​current United States team is the strongest he has been part of, with the AC Milan forward saying the squad’s quality ‌and depth should give Americans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup ​on home soil.

Pulisic, long the face of U.S. football, said the team was in a good ⁠place as attention begins to build around a tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I think you could say so,” Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this was the best U.S. team he has been a part of. “Looking at ‌the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well.”

“Multiple guys that ‌can play in every position. It’s a very strong team.”

Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad ‌that ⁠is expected to include fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler ⁠Adams, defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards, and goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner.

ALSO READ | Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again

For Pulisic, who spoke to Reuters while partnering with deodorant company Degree, the chance to play a World Cup in the United States adds another layer of motivation to the sport’s biggest event.

“A World Cup ​is enough motivation in itself and having it ‌in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for,” he said.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

The 27-year-old said he hopes American fans can give the team a major lift when the tournament begins. The U.S. faces Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“I know the energy in ‌the stadiums is going to be great,” he said. “We want to take as much of that as ​we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”

Pulisic, who has represented the U.S. since his teenage years, said wearing the national team shirt still carries deep meaning.

“Representing ⁠the U.S. and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has ‌given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”

CAPTAIN AMERICA

As one of the most recognisable players in U.S. football history, Pulisic has often been saddled with labels such as “Captain America” and cast as the public face of the men’s game in the country. But he said he tries to shut out that noise rather than embrace it.

“I’d say I definitely tune it out,” he said. “It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.”

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.

“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in ​training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example,” he said.

Pulisic says USA team strongest yet ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Christian Pulisic believes the ​current United States team is the strongest he has been part of, with the AC Milan forward saying the squad’s quality ‌and depth should give Americans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup ​on home soil.Pulisic, long the face of U.S. football, said the team was in a good ⁠place as attention begins to build around a tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.“I think you could say so,” Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this was the best U.S. team he has been a part of. “Looking at ‌the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well.”“Multiple guys that ‌can play in every position. It’s a very strong team.”Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad ‌that ⁠is expected to include fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler ⁠Adams, defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards, and goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner.ALSO READ | Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win againFor Pulisic, who spoke to Reuters while partnering with deodorant company Degree, the chance to play a World Cup in the United States adds another layer of motivation to the sport’s biggest event.“A World Cup ​is enough motivation in itself and having it ‌in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for,” he said.HOME FIELD ADVANTAGEThe 27-year-old said he hopes American fans can give the team a major lift when the tournament begins. The U.S. faces Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.“I know the energy in ‌the stadiums is going to be great,” he said. “We want to take as much of that as ​we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”Pulisic, who has represented the U.S. since his teenage years, said wearing the national team shirt still carries deep meaning.“Representing ⁠the U.S. and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has ‌given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”CAPTAIN AMERICAAs one of the most recognisable players in U.S. football history, Pulisic has often been saddled with labels such as “Captain America” and cast as the public face of the men’s game in the country. But he said he tries to shut out that noise rather than embrace it.“I’d say I definitely tune it out,” he said. “It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.”He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in ​training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example,” he said. He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP Pulisic also said he does not feel burdened ⁠by any broader responsibility to serve as the sport’s standard-bearer in the United States, even if he hopes to inspire ⁠younger players.“I’m focused on doing my job,” he said. “If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do ‌it.”With expectations growing for the co-hosts, Pulisic was reluctant to define success by a specific finishing point, saying only that the first objective was to advance from the group stage before taking the tournament one game at ​a time.Still, his message to supporters was clear. “The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Pulisic #USA #team #strongest #ahead #FIFA #World #Cup

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

lightbox-info

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

Pulisic also said he does not feel burdened ⁠by any broader responsibility to serve as the sport’s standard-bearer in the United States, even if he hopes to inspire ⁠younger players.

“I’m focused on doing my job,” he said. “If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do ‌it.”

With expectations growing for the co-hosts, Pulisic was reluctant to define success by a specific finishing point, saying only that the first objective was to advance from the group stage before taking the tournament one game at ​a time.

Still, his message to supporters was clear. “The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Pulisic #USA #team #strongest #ahead #FIFA #World #Cup

Sports news , , , , , ,

Christian Pulisic believes the ​current United States team is the strongest he has been part of, with the AC Milan forward saying the squad’s quality ‌and depth should give Americans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup ​on home soil.

Pulisic, long the face of U.S. football, said the team was in a good ⁠place as attention begins to build around a tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I think you could say so,” Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this was the best U.S. team he has been a part of. “Looking at ‌the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well.”

“Multiple guys that ‌can play in every position. It’s a very strong team.”

Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad ‌that ⁠is expected to include fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler ⁠Adams, defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards, and goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner.

ALSO READ | Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again

For Pulisic, who spoke to Reuters while partnering with deodorant company Degree, the chance to play a World Cup in the United States adds another layer of motivation to the sport’s biggest event.

“A World Cup ​is enough motivation in itself and having it ‌in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for,” he said.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

The 27-year-old said he hopes American fans can give the team a major lift when the tournament begins. The U.S. faces Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“I know the energy in ‌the stadiums is going to be great,” he said. “We want to take as much of that as ​we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”

Pulisic, who has represented the U.S. since his teenage years, said wearing the national team shirt still carries deep meaning.

“Representing ⁠the U.S. and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has ‌given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”

CAPTAIN AMERICA

As one of the most recognisable players in U.S. football history, Pulisic has often been saddled with labels such as “Captain America” and cast as the public face of the men’s game in the country. But he said he tries to shut out that noise rather than embrace it.

“I’d say I definitely tune it out,” he said. “It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.”

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.

“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in ​training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example,” he said.

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images via AFP

lightbox-info

He ‌said his leadership has evolved into setting standards through his work rather than speeches.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images via AFP

Pulisic also said he does not feel burdened ⁠by any broader responsibility to serve as the sport’s standard-bearer in the United States, even if he hopes to inspire ⁠younger players.

“I’m focused on doing my job,” he said. “If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do ‌it.”

With expectations growing for the co-hosts, Pulisic was reluctant to define success by a specific finishing point, saying only that the first objective was to advance from the group stage before taking the tournament one game at ​a time.

Still, his message to supporters was clear. “The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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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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