Larry Fitzgerald
A 17-season Cardinal selected third overall who ranks second all-time in career receptions and receiving yards.
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. 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. 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.
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Team
- Arizona Cardinals (17 seasons)
- Draft Class
- 2004, First Round (3rd overall)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 11
- All-Pro Honors
- 1 First Team (2008), 2 Second Team (2009, 2011)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Fitzgerald attended the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, before spending a year at Valley Forge Military Academy to meet NCAA requirements. He played for the Pittsburgh Panthers under head coach Walt Harris, where he set an NCAA record with 18 straight games with at least one touchdown reception. After his sophomore season, he won the Walter Camp Award, the Biletnikoff Award, and was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. In 2004, the NFL granted him an exception to enter the draft early because his time at Valley Forge combined with Pitt met the three-year rule. As a rookie in 2004, he became the youngest player at 21 years and 110 days to record two touchdown receptions in a single game.
In Their Own Story
In his second NFL season, Fitzgerald led the league with 103 receptions for 1,409 yards. He teamed with Anquan Boldin to form one of the most productive wide receiver tandems in the NFL that year. Throughout his career, he was named to the Pro Bowl eleven times and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2008, along with second-team selections in 2009 and 2011.
Reader's Guide
Fitzgerald is currently second in NFL history for career receiving yards and receptions, and sixth in career receiving touchdowns. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 2026, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Beyond football, he became a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns of the NBA in 2020.
Did You Know?
- Fitzgerald worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings under coach Dennis Green as a teenager.
- He spent a year at Valley Forge Military Academy because he did not meet NCAA requirements to play football as a freshman.
- His #1 jersey was retired by the University of Pittsburgh on July 1, 2013.
- Fitzgerald holds an NCAA record with 18 straight games recording at least one touchdown reception.
- He became a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Larry Fitzgerald?
He stands as the most accomplished wide receiver in Arizona Cardinals history, spending his entire career with one team. Fans view him as the definitive face of the franchise during a transformative era of professional football.
When did Larry Fitzgerald play for the Cardinals?
Selected third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, he played seventeen seasons before retiring after the 2020 campaign. He was drafted as a first-round pick and remained with the franchise until his final game.
What are Larry Fitzgerald's major career achievements?
He earned eleven Pro Bowl selections and received three First Team All-Pro honors throughout his time in the league. Additionally, he guided the squad to a Super Bowl appearance during the XLIII season.
Why is Larry Fitzgerald considered a symbol of loyalty?
Unlike many peers who moved between teams, he dedicated every single year of his seventeen-year career to Arizona. This unwavering commitment helped bridge different eras for supporters and earned deep respect from opponents.
How is Larry Fitzgerald remembered by the fanbase?
Supporters often call him the Cardinal King due to his unmatched production and enduring presence in Glendale. His legacy defines excellence within the organization, setting a standard that future players strive to meet.
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