Larry Fitzgerald
Legendary wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2003. Fitzgerald was selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft. He is widely considered by fans, coaches and peers to be one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Wide receiver
- Born
- 31 August 1983
- Birthplace
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
- High school
- Academy of Holy Angels (Richfield, Minnesota)
- College
- Pittsburgh (2002–2003)
- Draft year
- 2004
- Draft round
- 1
- Former teams
- Arizona Cardinals (2004, 2020)
Lore & Background
Fitzgerald was selected for the Pro Bowl eleven times. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2008 and 2009, and second-team All-Pro in 2011. He is third in NFL career receiving yards, trailing only Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, second in career receptions, and tied for 10th in career receiving touchdowns. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He became a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2021.
Reader's Guide
Although Fitzgerald had played at Pitt for only two years without redshirting, he petitioned the NFL to allow him to enter the NFL draft, as he had left his high school, Academy of Holy Angels, during his senior year to attend Valley Forge Military Academy. The NFL granted an exception to allow Fitzgerald to enter the draft, as Fitzgerald had convinced the NFL that the time he spent at VFMA, combined with his time at Pitt, was the minimum three years removed from high school to make him eligible for the draft.
Did You Know?
- Fitzgerald worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings as a teenager under coach Mike Tice.
- He did not meet NCAA requirements to play football as a freshman, so he spent a year at Valley Forge Military Academy.
- Fitzgerald's 18 straight games with at least one touchdown reception in college is an NCAA record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Larry Fitzgerald?
Larry Fitzgerald is widely considered the greatest wide receiver in Arizona Cardinals history, having played his entire 17-season career with the team from 2004 to 2020. Selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, he transformed from a dynamic rookie into a legendary leader who anchored the franchise's offense for over a decade.
What role did Larry Fitzgerald play on the field?
As the team's primary wide receiver, Fitzgerald served as the focal point of the Cardinals' passing game with his reliable hands and consistent production. He earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors while leading the league in receptions multiple times.
Is Larry Fitzgerald in the Hall of Fame?
While he has not yet been inducted, Fitzgerald is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame starting with the Class of 2026. Given his status as one of the most decorated players ever, his induction is widely expected by fans and historians alike.
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