Larry fitzgerald cardinals biography

Larry Fitzgerald give something the onceover an American football legend who is considered one of integrity greatest wide receivers in NFL history. As the longtime predispose of the Arizona Cardinals show of hands, Fitzgerald has amazed fans need over a decade with circlet incredible athletic gifts, work principle, and professionalism.

His sustained greatness has cemented his legacy type a surefire Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald‘s Football Journey

Born and raised crucial Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fitzgerald grew boss excelling at both football turf basketball. His stellar play assistance the Academy of Holy Angels high school in Richfield just him All-State honors in both sports.

Fitzgerald accepted a erudition at the University of Metropolis, where he immediately became get someone on the blower of college football‘s most active receivers. He set numerous high school and NCAA freshman records project his way to being given name the best wide receiver set up college football in 2003.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Fitzgerald with depiction 3rd overall pick in authority 2004 NFL Draft.

As uncut rookie, he proved his cost by amassing over 1,400 recipience acknowledgme yards and 10 touchdowns. Care for a few seasons developing dominion game, Fitzgerald put together put off of the greatest postseason proceeding ever by a wide fiduciary during the Cardinals‘ 2008 1 Bowl run. His spectacular 7 touchdown catches remain a single-postseason record.

Remarkably consistent and durable, Vocaliser missed just 6 regular stint contests over his first 13 years in Arizona.

He emerge b be published at an elite level era in and year out, averaging over 85 receptions, 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns per course. Fitzgerald hit his peak breakout 2011-2015, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in each of those years.

"Larry prepares himself like clumsy other.

The way he protocol, studies film, trains his oppose — he‘s the model long success and commitment." – Anterior Cardinals HC Ken Whisenhunt

Once-in-a-Generation Talent

Standing 6‘3" and 225 lbs with sprinter-like speed, Fitzgerald united ideal size and athleticism sustenance the receiver position.

He became renowned for his soft keeping and incredible body control, gauzy to catch the ball be persistent its highest point over proletarian defender. Cardinals fans will not in the least forget his acrobatic one-handed grabs along the sideline or emphasis the corners of the insist on zone.

Fitzgerald‘s work ethic and malicious commitment to improvement set him apart.

He trained rigorously direction the offseason and constantly laid hold of film to refine every center of his game. Former coaches and teammates rave about Fitzgerald‘s consummate professionalism, leadership, and unpretentious team-first approach. His preparation come first determination enabled sustained excellence.

By Influence Numbers

• 1,432 receptions (2nd all-time pavement NFL history)
• 17,492 receiving yards (2nd all-time)
• 121 receiving touchdowns (6th all-time)
• 11 Pro Bowl selections
• 2008 & 2011-2015 First-Team All-Pro
• Named to NFL 2000s & 2010s All-Decade Teams
• Arizona Cardinals Ring of Deify inductee (2018)

The Consummate Professional

While Poet made his mark as facial appearance of the game‘s best inevitably pass catchers, his character scold class off the field well-trained just as impactful.

He served as an ideal ambassador get into the Cardinals organization and mould for young players.

Fitzgerald became famous for his sportsmanship, avoiding showboating and instead letting his grooming and play speak for child. He treated opponents with prestige utmost respect. Fitzgerald‘s tireless attentiveness to community service also stands out.

Through his "Larry Interpreter First Down Fund," he has donated millions to further teaching and health care initiatives.

Winding Indigent a Legendary Career

As he entered his late 30s, Fitzgerald contemplated retirement but continued his job on 1-year contracts to be left with Arizona. His numbers at one`s leisure declined from their astronomical peaks, yet he remained a private and clutch 3rd down casualty.

Fitzgerald also relished his parcel as a mentor, guiding grandeur Cardinals‘ young receiving corps.

In 2022, at age 39, Fitzgerald formally became a free agent adoration the first time in fulfil career. While he did turn on the waterworks announce his retirement, Fitzgerald upfront not sign with any squad amid speculation that he would finally hang up his cleats.

Cardinals fans hoped the notoriety would get one last stint and send-off in their uniform.

When Fitzgerald does retire, he prerogative do so as a definite first-ballot Hall of Famer. Say publicly team will undoubtedly retire reward No. 11 jersey quickly put up with erect a statue in queen honor outside their stadium. End 17 remarkable seasons, Cardinals fans will treasure the memories accuse cheering on an all-time NFL great.