Fitzgerald was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and he quickly established himself as one of the league's top receivers. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season and went on to earn 11 Pro Bowl selections in his career, which is tied for the second-most in NFL history.
Throughout his career, Fitzgerald was known for his exceptional hands, route-running ability, and toughness. He was also a team leader and a role model for younger players, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
Fitzgerald's best season came in 2008, when he helped lead the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. He had 96 receptions for 1,431 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season, and he added 30 catches for 546 yards and seven touchdowns in the playoffs. In the Super Bowl, Fitzgerald had seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns, but the Cardinals ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Fitzgerald had a remarkable career. He finished his career with 1,432 receptions for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns, which are all top-ten marks in NFL history. He also holds numerous Cardinals franchise records, including most receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Off the field, Fitzgerald was known for his philanthropy and community service. He established the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which provides support to children and their families who are dealing with serious medical conditions. He also served as a spokesperson for the NFL's Play 60 campaign, which encourages children to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.
Fitzgerald announced his retirement from the NFL on January 13, 2021, after 17 seasons with the Cardinals. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history and a role model for young players both on and off the field.
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