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.
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Eligible (Class of 2026)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Fitzgerald was selected for the Pro Bowl eleven times. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2008 and second-team All-Pro twice in 2009 and 2011. He is third in NFL career receiving yards, 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 2020.
In Their Own Story
Fitzgerald's rookie season in 2004 saw him make an immediate impact. After recording four receptions for 70 yards in his debut against the St. Louis Rams, he scored his first career touchdown on a 24-yard pass from Josh McCown against the San Francisco 49ers. By December 19, he made history as the youngest player at 21 years and 110 days to record at least two touchdown receptions in a single game, though this record would later be broken by Aaron Hernandez and Mike Evans. His second season in 2005 was even more dominant; he led the NFL with 103 receptions for 1,409 yards and ten touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. That year, he formed one of the most productive tandems in NFL history alongside Anquan Boldin, finishing with seven games of over 100 receiving yards despite the team missing the playoffs.
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.
- He was the first wide receiver selected in the 2004 NFL draft.
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.
How did Larry Fitzgerald's career end?
Fitzgerald concluded his historic tenure by retiring after the 2020 season, choosing to leave the game at the top of his form rather than decline. His departure marked the end of an era for the franchise, leaving behind a legacy as the only player to spend his entire career with the team in its modern history.
Why is Larry Fitzgerald important to the Cardinals?
He is revered as the loyal heart and golden hands who defined the identity of the Arizona Cardinals during their most competitive years. His unwavering dedication and record-breaking statistics make him a universally recognized icon within NFL annals and franchise lore.
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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