Larry Fitzgerald remembers his father, talks Ring of Honor | Opinion
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Larry Fitzgerald remembers his father, talks Ring of Honor | Opinion
Greg Moore, Arizona Republic·AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
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5 min read
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Look for pain and grief behind Larry Fitzgerald's smiling eyes on Sunday when he's inducted into theArizona CardinalsRing of Honor.
More than 60,000 fans will be there to celebrate the 2009 Super Bowl run, the 2015 NFC West title and the nearly 17,500 receiving yards. One last time, they'll be chanting his name, "LA-rry! LA-rry!" But Larry's father won't be there.
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Larry Fitzgerald Sr. died in June at the age of 71.
"It's been a really tough time," Fitzgerald said Thursday, Oct. 22. "The sacrifices that he made to get me to this place are immense; and they don't show up on a stat sheet.
"Thousands of hours driving me around. When I was being a jerk and not doing right, not writing me off, but continuing to love me through the process of growing up. It's been tough not to have him."
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
(Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK)
Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talks to the press prior to the first hole during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale on Feb. 4, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Former Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald hugs PGA Tour player Akshay Bhatia on the first tee box during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 4, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Cleveland Browns in the first half during a game on Dec. 15, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs to the locker room after defeating the Cleveland Browns during a game on Dec. 15, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs onto the field before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) walks onto the field before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) hugs Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs with the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) in the first half during a game on Dec. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs after a catch against Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium December 1, 2019.
(Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK)
Larry Fitzgerald watches Phoenix Suns play the Atlanta Hawks in the second half on Nov. 14, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) bows his head in remembrance of team owner William Bidwill during a moment of silence before playing against the Atlanta Falcons October 13, 2019. Bidwill died October 2.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Jerry Rice greets Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after Fitzgerald became number two for NFL all-time receptions at 1,326 against the Seattle Seahawks during a game on Sep. 29, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. Jerry Rice holds the record at 1,549 NFL all-time receptions.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is congratulated by Jerry Rice after moving to second place on the all-time NFL receptions list behind Rice. After losing 27-10 to the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before playing against the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) laughs during warm ups before playing against the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) react after wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pas against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch behind Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during the second half of a game Sept. 8 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts against the Detroit Lions in overtime during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) hugs quarterback Kyler Murray after throwing a pass to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) to complete a 2-point play against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald takes the field to play the Los Angeles Rams during the final home game of the season on Dec. 23, 2018 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald waves to the fans after their loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 23 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reacts with teammate Chad Williams after Fitzgerald threw a touchdown pass against the Rams during the second quarter of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
(David Wallace/The Republic)
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks during a post-game news conference after losing to the Rams on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and running back David Johnson walk to the field before the game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018.
(David Wallace/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals fans hold signs for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald during the second half against the Detroit Lions in Glendale, Ariz. December 9.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his 1,282 career reception against Detroit Lions on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium, setting an NFL record for most career receptions with one team, passing Jerry Rice.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald wears spikes honoring the late Sen. John McCain during a game on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Josh Rosen talk before playing the Detroit Lions during a game on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald takes the field to play the L.A. Chargers during a preseason NFL football game on Aug. 11, 2018, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his second touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the second half during a game Nov. 18 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald jokes with Kent Somers during a practice on Aug. 10, 2017.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at State Farm Stadium.
(Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald hugs Josh Rosen after throwing the game winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during a game on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) spikes the football after a two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers In the fourth quarter during NFL action against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald hugs Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph as he talks to Arizona offensive coordinator Mike McCoy (right) in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is interviewed, April 19, 2016, by Kent Somers in the azcentral studio.
(Mark Henle/azcentral sports)
Early lightning: In Week 2 against the Bears, the Cardinals scored 48 points, the most ever allowed by Chicago in a home game. In Week 3 Arizona defeated the San Francisco 49ers 47-7, marking just the seventh time in Niners history they'd lost by 40 points or more.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers KeeSean Johnson (19) and Larry Fitzgerald (11) greet each other before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reaches forward while tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) during the second quarter Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) during the second quarter Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up during practice on Oct. 22, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) throws during practice on Oct. 7, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) waits to stretch during practice on Sept. 24, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks to the media before dropping off food to medical workers.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
(Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
(Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK)
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See the best images from what's happening across Arizona
Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talks to the press prior to the first hole during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale on Feb. 4, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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See the best images from what's happening across Arizona
Former Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald hugs PGA Tour player Akshay Bhatia on the first tee box during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 4, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Cleveland Browns in the first half during a game on Dec. 15, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs to the locker room after defeating the Cleveland Browns during a game on Dec. 15, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs onto the field before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) walks onto the field before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) hugs Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) before playing against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium December 15, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs with the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) in the first half during a game on Dec. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs after a catch against Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium December 1, 2019.
(Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald watches Phoenix Suns play the Atlanta Hawks in the second half on Nov. 14, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) bows his head in remembrance of team owner William Bidwill during a moment of silence before playing against the Atlanta Falcons October 13, 2019. Bidwill died October 2.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Jerry Rice greets Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after Fitzgerald became number two for NFL all-time receptions at 1,326 against the Seattle Seahawks during a game on Sep. 29, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. Jerry Rice holds the record at 1,549 NFL all-time receptions.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is congratulated by Jerry Rice after moving to second place on the all-time NFL receptions list behind Rice. After losing 27-10 to the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before playing against the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) laughs during warm ups before playing against the Seattle Seahawks September 29, 2019.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) react after wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pas against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch behind Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during the second half of a game Sept. 8 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts against the Detroit Lions in overtime during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) hugs quarterback Kyler Murray after throwing a pass to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) to complete a 2-point play against the Detroit Lions in the second half during a game on Sep. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald takes the field to play the Los Angeles Rams during the final home game of the season on Dec. 23, 2018 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald waves to the fans after their loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 23 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reacts with teammate Chad Williams after Fitzgerald threw a touchdown pass against the Rams during the second quarter of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
(David Wallace/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks during a post-game news conference after losing to the Rams on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and running back David Johnson walk to the field before the game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018.
(David Wallace/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals fans hold signs for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald during the second half against the Detroit Lions in Glendale, Ariz. December 9.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his 1,282 career reception against Detroit Lions on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium, setting an NFL record for most career receptions with one team, passing Jerry Rice.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald wears spikes honoring the late Sen. John McCain during a game on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Josh Rosen talk before playing the Detroit Lions during a game on Dec. 9 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald takes the field to play the L.A. Chargers during a preseason NFL football game on Aug. 11, 2018, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his second touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the second half during a game Nov. 18 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald jokes with Kent Somers during a practice on Aug. 10, 2017.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at State Farm Stadium.
(Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald hugs Josh Rosen after throwing the game winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during a game on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) spikes the football after a two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers In the fourth quarter during NFL action against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald hugs Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph as he talks to Arizona offensive coordinator Mike McCoy (right) in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is interviewed, April 19, 2016, by Kent Somers in the azcentral studio.
(Mark Henle/azcentral sports)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Early lightning: In Week 2 against the Bears, the Cardinals scored 48 points, the most ever allowed by Chicago in a home game. In Week 3 Arizona defeated the San Francisco 49ers 47-7, marking just the seventh time in Niners history they'd lost by 40 points or more.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers KeeSean Johnson (19) and Larry Fitzgerald (11) greet each other before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reaches forward while tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) during the second quarter Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (31) during the second quarter Dec. 20, 2020.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up during practice on Oct. 22, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) throws during practice on Oct. 7, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) waits to stretch during practice on Sept. 24, 2020, at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz.
(Sean Logan/The Republic)
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The career of legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks to the media before dropping off food to medical workers.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
'He lived to cover sports'
Big Larry was a trailblazer before anybody called his son "Larry Legend."
He was a sportswriter, a columnist, in the Midwest in the 1980s. He was the only Black man in the room who wasn't wearing shoulder pads and a helmet for most of his career.
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"He lived to cover sports," Fitzgerald told The New York Times in August just before his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Fitzgerald Sr. had been struggling, but that doesn't make the loss any easier to take.
"I look at the text messages that we shared," Fitzgerald said in a room full of journalists, his eyes as red as the Cardinals logo on the wall behind him.
"It's been very tough to process and fill that void of somebody you can talk to every day about anything you're going through, relationships, business, and all the things that you talk to with your parents."
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Fitzgerald lost his mother to breast cancer in 2003. She was 47.
"Not being able to have that sounding board with them, it's been a difficult adjustment."
Larry Sr. and Carol shaped Larry Fitzgerald. And in a me-first, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, "I was born in a log cabin that I built myself" culture, Larry Jr. was never reluctant to talk about how much they meant to him.
"My pops was really proud," Fitzgerald said, speaking for what's likely the last time at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
"I got a chance to have him out with me in San Francisco. And I knew."
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (left) poses for a photo with his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., after being named the co-winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year during the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater in Houston on Feb. 4, 2017.
His thoughts trailed off to the Super Bowl in February, when Fitzgerald's Hall of Fame selection was announced.
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"He was tough," Fitzgerald said. "It was the last time he traveled. And I knew he probably shouldn't have traveled … but he wanted to be there and experience that moment.
"I pushed him into the stadium in his wheelchair … and I thought, 'This could be the last time. This could be it.'"
Larry Sr. must have been thinking the same thing. But he still covered the game for the Australian Sports Entertainment Network.
"Getting him up there to the press box … It was great to be able to have him be there," Fitzgerald said. "But to not have him in Canton, it was really rough."
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'I just look back with gratitude'
It's sure to be worse at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, not that Fitzgerald would ever look at it that way.
"This will a lot more emotional for me," Fitzgerald said, "because it's home.'
But Fitzgerald's perspective hasn't changed.
"I just look back with gratitude," Fitzgerald said.
"I also try to be an eternal optimist and find the positives in most things, no matter how hard they are."
He had a lot of practice playing his entire 17-year career for a franchise that hasn't won a championship since 1947. But Larry is nothing if not loyal.
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"It wasn't always great," he said. "(There were) a lot of down times and tough times and times where I could have said, 'You know what? The grass might be greener on the other side.' And like, no. I'm gonna try to do everything I can to figure it out, right? And make it right, and weather the storm.
"That all means a lot. And I still believe that in life, in general, you learn a hell of a lot more through tough times than you do in prosperity. If the sun is always shining on you, you have no idea how to deal with the other side.
"I think dealing with the tough times made me appreciate the good times way more."
That's the man Larry Sr. and Carol Fitzgerald raised.
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And that perspective will always be more important than the 2009 Super Bowl run (and by the way, Santonio Holmes was out of bounds) or the 2015 NFC West title or the nearly 17,500 receiving yards.
That perspective, that loyalty, that optimism is why more than 60,000 fans will gather to chant his name "LA-rry! LA-rry!" one last time.
And even if Larry's father won't be there physically, his presence will be felt Sunday across the NFL world.
Greg Moore is a storytelling reporter for The Arizona Republic. He previously wrote about sports. Reach him atgmoore@azcentral.com.
