Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Larry Fitzgerald rose from a dominant collegiate career at Pittsburgh to become one of the most prolific, sure-handed, and revered wide receivers in NFL history across 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. was born on August 31, 1983, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
College Career
Fitzgerald played collegiate football for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers from 2002 to 2003, putting together one of the most dominant two-year stretches in NCAA history. Over just 26 career collegiate games, he amassed 161 receptions for 2,677 yards and a school-record 34 touchdowns. In his historic 2003 sophomore campaign, he caught 92 passes for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns, scoring in an NCAA-record 18 consecutive games. He swept the nation’s top collegiate honors, winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Biletnikoff Award, and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. [National Football Foundation]
Road to the Pro Game
Following his historic college run, Fitzgerald was selected third overall in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He became the cornerstone of the franchise, playing his entire 17-season professional career (2004–2020) in Arizona. Known for unmatched reliability, body control, and legendary hands—having famously recorded more career tackles than dropped passes—Fitzgerald led the Cardinals to their historic Super Bowl XLIII appearance following the 2008 season, posting an NFL-record 546 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in a single postseason.
Football Legacy
Fitzgerald’s legacy extends far beyond his durability and highlight-reel catches. He revolutionized the wide receiver position with elite blocking, seamless route running from both outside and the slot, and exceptional sportsmanship. Regarded as a pillar of community impact, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2016 for his philanthropic work through the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund. He was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, cementing his standing as one of football’s all-time greatest players. [ProFootballHOF.com]
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Career NFL Statistics: 1,432 receptions (2nd all-time), 17,492 receiving yards (2nd all-time), and 121 receiving touchdowns (6th all-time) in 263 games.
- NFL Honors: 11-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2007–2013, 2015–2017), First-team All-Pro (2008), 2-time Second-team All-Pro (2009, 2011), 2-time NFL Receptions Leader (2005, 2016), 2-time NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (2008, 2009).
- College Honors: Walter Camp Award (2003), Fred Biletnikoff Award (2003), Unanimous First-Team All-American (2003), Big East Offensive Player of the Year (2003), College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2024).
- All-Time Recognition: NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2016), Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor.
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