Vikings’ firing of ball boy Fitzgerald leads to Hall of Fame induction
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 11:45 AM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings initially fired Fitzgerald but later rehired him as a ball boy assigned to receivers. This pivotal decision significantly shaped his career trajectory. Fitzgerald's journey culminated in his induction into the Hall of Fame, highlighting the impact of second chances in professional sports.
- •Fitzgerald was fired by the Vikings before being rehired.
- •His role with the receivers helped shape his career.
- •He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- 12:02 PMESPN — How getting fired helped this ex-ball boy reach the Hall of Fame
"After firing him, the Vikings rehired Fitzgerald as a ball boy and assigned him to the receivers, a move that shaped his career.
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