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The 5 most underrated players in the WNBA, explained When you think of the WNBA’s best players, who comes to mind?A’ja Wilson, who has won four MVP awards in the last six years, is probably on the list, as are the 2024 and 2025 No. 1 overall picks, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Some WNBA players have established themselves as household names, while others continue to fly under the radar.But who are the league’s most underrated players?It’s a tricky question because the concept of a player being underrated can be interpreted in several ways; a player might be considered underrated because they’ve been flying under the radar (think low name recognition), or they might be considered underrated because they do get a lot of attention, but the general public still doesn’t realize how good they actually are.With both of those criteria in mind, here are my picks for the WNBA’s most underrated players at the moment.Kayla McBride, Minnesota LynxThe Lynx had three All-Stars this season — Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles — and now they have Napheesa Collier, too, a perennial MVP candidate.But McBride has been the player on the Lynx who often is most overlooked. She’s currently averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40.3% from three. She has the 4th-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA, and was Minnesota’s leading scorer for 8 consecutive games last month.McBride is 34 years old, so she’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s part of why her greatness is sometimes overlooked. But the Lynx would not be where they are right now without her.Shakira Austin, Washington MysticsEveryone talks about the Washington Mystics’ duo of elite sophomores, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and rightfully so — both have been spectacular.But Shakira Austin has been incredible, too. Austin, who for years dealt with a myriad of injuries, is averaging 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She’s the Mystics’ second-leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker. Austin has appeared in all but one game this season and has been a major reason Washington is currently in the playoff mix.Kiah Stokes, Golden State ValkyriesKiah Stokes’ stats don’t jump off the page, but when you watch the Valkyries play, it becomes clear that she has been absolutely critical to their success on the defensive end. Stokes has filled in for Iliana Rupert as Golden State’s starting center, and while she’s only averaging 3.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, her real impact has been on the defensive end.Stokes has the best defensive rating on the team — a 96.3 — and Golden State has looked like a different team on that end in her 22.3 minutes per game. Stokes is one of those players you have to watch a whole lot of in order to truly appreciate.Angel Reese, Atlanta DreamThis one might surprise some readers, since Reese is one of the most popular and well-known players in the WNBA. Reese is a three-time All-Star and has received lots of recognition for her rebounding prowess. But there’s still a popular notion that Reese isn’t actually a great basketball player, and that her off-court gigs (modelling, podcast, etc) are why she’s famous.The truth couldn’t be further from that, and it’s very clear when you watch Reese play. The 24-year-old is an elite defender, and she plays with a motor few — if any — WNBA players rival. She’s averaging 15.8 points per game (19th-most in the WNBA among players with at least 15 games) and 11.6 boards per game (second-most). She’s the best offensive rebounder in the league, grabbing 5.1 o-boards per game.Her +4.2 net rating is the 18th-best in the league. Reese deserves to end up on an All-WNBA team this season, and she has way outperformed her No. 7 draft spot.Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle StormLike Reese, Natisha Hiedeman is known for more than just basketball. The 29-year-old Storm guard makes up one half of the Studbudz, the popular Twitch streaming duo that’s taken the WNBA world by storm (no pun intended). But Hiedeman is also a hooper, and she’s in the middle of by far the best season of her WNBA career.The 5’8 guard is averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, while hitting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For reference, previously, her career-high in points per game was 9.1, set last year in a big-time season for the Minnesota Lynx.Hiedeman signed a two-year, .525 million contract with the Storm in the offseason, and some considered that an overpay. But she’s been absolutely balling for Seattle, and if the Storm were winning more games, more would probably realize.Which WNBA players would you consider to be underrated? #underrated #players #WNBA #explained

The 5 most underrated players in the WNBA, explained

When you think of the WNBA’s best players, who comes to mind?

A’ja Wilson, who has won four MVP awards in the last six years, is probably on the list, as are the 2024 and 2025 No. 1 overall picks, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Some WNBA players have established themselves as household names, while others continue to fly under the radar.

But who are the league’s most underrated players?

It’s a tricky question because the concept of a player being underrated can be interpreted in several ways; a player might be considered underrated because they’ve been flying under the radar (think low name recognition), or they might be considered underrated because they do get a lot of attention, but the general public still doesn’t realize how good they actually are.

With both of those criteria in mind, here are my picks for the WNBA’s most underrated players at the moment.

Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx had three All-Stars this season — Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles — and now they have Napheesa Collier, too, a perennial MVP candidate.

But McBride has been the player on the Lynx who often is most overlooked. She’s currently averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40.3% from three. She has the 4th-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA, and was Minnesota’s leading scorer for 8 consecutive games last month.

McBride is 34 years old, so she’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s part of why her greatness is sometimes overlooked. But the Lynx would not be where they are right now without her.

Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics

Everyone talks about the Washington Mystics’ duo of elite sophomores, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and rightfully so — both have been spectacular.

But Shakira Austin has been incredible, too. Austin, who for years dealt with a myriad of injuries, is averaging 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She’s the Mystics’ second-leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker. Austin has appeared in all but one game this season and has been a major reason Washington is currently in the playoff mix.

Kiah Stokes, Golden State Valkyries

Kiah Stokes’ stats don’t jump off the page, but when you watch the Valkyries play, it becomes clear that she has been absolutely critical to their success on the defensive end. Stokes has filled in for Iliana Rupert as Golden State’s starting center, and while she’s only averaging 3.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, her real impact has been on the defensive end.

Stokes has the best defensive rating on the team — a 96.3 — and Golden State has looked like a different team on that end in her 22.3 minutes per game. Stokes is one of those players you have to watch a whole lot of in order to truly appreciate.

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

This one might surprise some readers, since Reese is one of the most popular and well-known players in the WNBA. Reese is a three-time All-Star and has received lots of recognition for her rebounding prowess. But there’s still a popular notion that Reese isn’t actually a great basketball player, and that her off-court gigs (modelling, podcast, etc) are why she’s famous.

The truth couldn’t be further from that, and it’s very clear when you watch Reese play. The 24-year-old is an elite defender, and she plays with a motor few — if any — WNBA players rival. She’s averaging 15.8 points per game (19th-most in the WNBA among players with at least 15 games) and 11.6 boards per game (second-most). She’s the best offensive rebounder in the league, grabbing 5.1 o-boards per game.

Her +4.2 net rating is the 18th-best in the league. Reese deserves to end up on an All-WNBA team this season, and she has way outperformed her No. 7 draft spot.

Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle Storm

Like Reese, Natisha Hiedeman is known for more than just basketball. The 29-year-old Storm guard makes up one half of the Studbudz, the popular Twitch streaming duo that’s taken the WNBA world by storm (no pun intended). But Hiedeman is also a hooper, and she’s in the middle of by far the best season of her WNBA career.

The 5’8 guard is averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, while hitting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For reference, previously, her career-high in points per game was 9.1, set last year in a big-time season for the Minnesota Lynx.

Hiedeman signed a two-year, $1.525 million contract with the Storm in the offseason, and some considered that an overpay. But she’s been absolutely balling for Seattle, and if the Storm were winning more games, more would probably realize.

Which WNBA players would you consider to be underrated?

#underrated #players #WNBA #explained

Sports news

When you think of the WNBA’s best players, who comes to mind?

A’ja Wilson, who has won four MVP awards in the last six years, is probably on the list, as are the 2024 and 2025 No. 1 overall picks, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Some WNBA players have established themselves as household names, while others continue to fly under the radar.

But who are the league’s most underrated players?

It’s a tricky question because the concept of a player being underrated can be interpreted in several ways; a player might be considered underrated because they’ve been flying under the radar (think low name recognition), or they might be considered underrated because they do get a lot of attention, but the general public still doesn’t realize how good they actually are.

With both of those criteria in mind, here are my picks for the WNBA’s most underrated players at the moment.

Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx had three All-Stars this season — Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles — and now they have Napheesa Collier, too, a perennial MVP candidate.

But McBride has been the player on the Lynx who often is most overlooked. She’s currently averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40.3% from three. She has the 4th-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA, and was Minnesota’s leading scorer for 8 consecutive games last month.

McBride is 34 years old, so she’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s part of why her greatness is sometimes overlooked. But the Lynx would not be where they are right now without her.

Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics

Everyone talks about the Washington Mystics’ duo of elite sophomores, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and rightfully so — both have been spectacular.

But Shakira Austin has been incredible, too. Austin, who for years dealt with a myriad of injuries, is averaging 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. She’s the Mystics’ second-leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker. Austin has appeared in all but one game this season and has been a major reason Washington is currently in the playoff mix.

Kiah Stokes, Golden State Valkyries

Kiah Stokes’ stats don’t jump off the page, but when you watch the Valkyries play, it becomes clear that she has been absolutely critical to their success on the defensive end. Stokes has filled in for Iliana Rupert as Golden State’s starting center, and while she’s only averaging 3.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, her real impact has been on the defensive end.

Stokes has the best defensive rating on the team — a 96.3 — and Golden State has looked like a different team on that end in her 22.3 minutes per game. Stokes is one of those players you have to watch a whole lot of in order to truly appreciate.

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

This one might surprise some readers, since Reese is one of the most popular and well-known players in the WNBA. Reese is a three-time All-Star and has received lots of recognition for her rebounding prowess. But there’s still a popular notion that Reese isn’t actually a great basketball player, and that her off-court gigs (modelling, podcast, etc) are why she’s famous.

The truth couldn’t be further from that, and it’s very clear when you watch Reese play. The 24-year-old is an elite defender, and she plays with a motor few — if any — WNBA players rival. She’s averaging 15.8 points per game (19th-most in the WNBA among players with at least 15 games) and 11.6 boards per game (second-most). She’s the best offensive rebounder in the league, grabbing 5.1 o-boards per game.

Her +4.2 net rating is the 18th-best in the league. Reese deserves to end up on an All-WNBA team this season, and she has way outperformed her No. 7 draft spot.

Natisha Hiedeman, Seattle Storm

Like Reese, Natisha Hiedeman is known for more than just basketball. The 29-year-old Storm guard makes up one half of the Studbudz, the popular Twitch streaming duo that’s taken the WNBA world by storm (no pun intended). But Hiedeman is also a hooper, and she’s in the middle of by far the best season of her WNBA career.

The 5’8 guard is averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, while hitting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For reference, previously, her career-high in points per game was 9.1, set last year in a big-time season for the Minnesota Lynx.

Hiedeman signed a two-year, $1.525 million contract with the Storm in the offseason, and some considered that an overpay. But she’s been absolutely balling for Seattle, and if the Storm were winning more games, more would probably realize.

Which WNBA players would you consider to be underrated?

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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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