Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the remarkable journey of Larry Fitzgerald — from Minnesota to NFL legend, his on-field excellence, philanthropic impact, and inspiring quotes that reflect his mindset and legacy.

Introduction

Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player, widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

Across a 17-season career spent entirely with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, compiled over 1,400 receptions and nearly 17,500 receiving yards, and became a model both for athletic consistency and integrity.

Beyond football, he is also known for his philanthropic work, business ventures, and reputation as a thoughtful, disciplined, and generous figure.

In this article, we’ll explore his early life, rise, playing career, off-field efforts, personality, memorable quotes, and lessons his journey offers.

Early Life & Background

• Born: August 31, 1983, in Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Fitzgerald attended Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, where he was a two-time First-team All-State wide receiver.

• During his teenage years, he worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings, giving him early proximity to professional football and role models like Cris Carter, Warren Moon, Randy Moss, among others.

• He did not immediately qualify for NCAA eligibility, so he spent a year at Valley Forge Military Academy before entering the University of Pittsburgh.

These formative years instilled in him a combination of exposure to elite football culture, personal perseverance, and developing talent in less visible settings.

College Career at Pittsburgh

• Fitzgerald played two seasons (2002–2003) at Pittsburgh under coach Walt Harris.

• In just 26 collegiate games, he totaled 161 catches, 2,677 yards (16.6 average), and 34 touchdowns — leading Pitt to retire his jersey number.

• He also set an NCAA record by catching a touchdown in 18 consecutive games.

• In 2003, he was a unanimous All-American and won awards including the Biletnikoff Award, Walter Camp Award, and Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

His college performance made him a top NFL prospect despite only two seasons of play.

Professional Career & Highlights

Draft & Early Seasons

• Fitzgerald was selected 3rd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, a team whose coach (Dennis Green) had known him from his ballboy days.

• He made an immediate impact, becoming a reliable target even with changing quarterbacks.

Peak Years & Career Achievements

Throughout his career, Fitzgerald compiled an exceptional résumé:

• 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, and 121 receiving touchdowns (in regular season)

• Named to the Pro Bowl 11 times

• First-team All-Pro in 2008; second-team All-Pro in 2009 and 2011

• Led the NFL in receptions twice (2005, 2016) and in receiving touchdowns (2008, 2009)

• Named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

• In the postseason, his consistency and performance under pressure earned praise and records (e.g. most postseason touchdown receptions)

He became widely respected not only for statistical success but for longevity, professionalism, and leadership.

Off the Field: Philanthropy, Business & Legacy

Philanthropy & Foundations

• In honor of his mother (Carol, who died of breast cancer in 2003), Fitzgerald established the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which supports youth programs and family crises, among other charitable causes.

• He also runs the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund to advance breast cancer awareness and research.

• His reputation as a role model and citizen earned him the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2016.

Business & Interests

• In 2020, Fitzgerald purchased a minority stake in the Phoenix Suns (NBA), making him one of the few active NFL players to hold an ownership position in another major sport.

• He is an avid traveler and has visited over 90 countries; he co-founded Nomad Hill, a travel design company focused on unique, immersive experiences.

• After football, he has also engaged in investments, mentorship, and public speaking.

Larry Fitzgerald’s off-field activities reflect his ambition to build a meaningful legacy beyond sports.

Personality, Strengths & Style

Work Ethic and Discipline
Fitzgerald is known for his consistency, durability, and professionalism—rarities in a sport marked by high turnover and physical wear.

Leadership & Mentorship
He was often seen as a steadying influence in locker rooms, especially during transitions at quarterback or coaching. His mentorship to younger players has been widely recognized.

Humility & Character
Fitzgerald’s public image is that of a humble competitor—not flamboyant, but quietly excellent. He frequently credits family, faith, and fundamentals.

Intellectual Curiosity & Balance
He emphasizes learning, reading, mental development, travel, and global awareness. His interests in chess, puzzles, and exploring cultures show a person who seeks balance beyond athletics.

Physical Attributes
At 6'3" and about 218 lbs, with excellent hands, route-running, and concentration, he combined size, agility, and technique in elite measure.

Famous Quotes by Larry Fitzgerald

Here are selected quotes that illuminate his mindset, motivations, and values:

“When success finds you, it's because you were looking for it.”

“I do what I’m coached to do. That’s part of being a team leader and captain. The job will change week in and week out … it’s not for you to question what your job is—it's to go out there and execute your assignments.”

“You can never let anything distract you from your main objective. My only goal is to be great. That’s all I want. That’s all I ever aspire to be … Greatness is something nobody can ever take away from you.”

“I was very fortunate to have some great mentors. A father that was always in my life set the example every day at home. Everybody asks me, ‘What was your role model?’ My role model slept 20 feet from me every night.”

“I love to see new things, and I love to learn. I always learn so much when I travel—that’s the best thing.”

“Chess is a lot of fun for me. Football is a physical game, and in chess you can just beat someone mentally—you outwit somebody, outmaneuver them, think ahead of them.”

These statements show a person grounded in purpose, aware of discipline and role, committed to constant improvement, and valuing intellectual and global growth.

Lessons from Larry Fitzgerald’s Journey

1. Longevity arises from discipline, not flash
   In a league where careers often are short, his 17 seasons were rooted in consistency, recovery, fundamentals, and respect for the craft.

2. Character matters
   His reputation as a leader, giver, and thoughtful competitor shows how off-field behavior can augment impact.

3. Purpose beyond sport
   Fitzgerald’s philanthropic and business efforts show how athletes can leverage their platform for sustained social good.

4. Adapt, don’t rest on early glory
   He navigated changes—quarterback changes, coaching shifts, aging—and remained productive by adapting, not resisting.

5. Never stop learning
   His curiosity, travel, reading, and mental pursuits make clear that even elite athletes can—and should—cultivate growth in other domains.

Conclusion

Larry Fitzgerald’s legacy is profound and multifaceted. As a player, his achievements place him among the greatest receivers ever. As a person, his integrity, humility, philanthropy, and intellectual engagement shine. His life story suggests that greatness is built not merely on physical gifts but on character, consistency, and lifelong purpose.