Cardinals Honor Larry Fitzgerald Sr. After Passing of Longtime NFL Figure

The Arizona Cardinals have extended heartfelt condolences to franchise icon Larry Fitzgerald following the death of his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., who passed away at the age of 71. The news prompted an outpouring of support from across the NFL community, reflecting the deep respect Fitzgerald Sr. earned throughout his decades around the game.

Fitzgerald Sr. was widely known within football circles not only as a dedicated sports broadcaster but also as a constant presence in stadium press boxes across the league. His career in journalism was largely based in Minnesota, where he raised his family while covering professional football at a high level.

His influence extended beyond reporting, as he played a central role in shaping the early life and career of his son, Larry Fitzgerald, one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history. The bond between father and son became one of the sport’s most recognized family stories.

As tributes continue to emerge, both the Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings have publicly acknowledged Fitzgerald Sr.’s impact, underscoring how deeply he was respected by teams, players, and media members throughout the league.

1. Cardinals Lead League In Tributes

The Arizona Cardinals were among the first organizations to publicly honor Fitzgerald Sr. following news of his passing. The franchise issued a statement expressing sympathy and support for Larry Fitzgerald and his family during a profoundly difficult time. In its message, the team highlighted Fitzgerald Sr.’s longstanding connection to the organization and his regular presence around the team over the years. His familiarity within NFL press boxes made him a well-known and respected figure among both media and personnel. The Cardinals emphasized the personal impact he had on those within the organization, noting that his relationship with the team extended beyond professional ties due to his son’s legendary career in Arizona. The tribute reflected the unique nature of his presence in the sport—someone who was simultaneously a journalist, a father, and a consistent supporter of one of the franchise’s greatest players.

2. A Lifelong Presence Around Football

Fitzgerald Sr. spent his career working in sports broadcasting in Minnesota, where he became a recognizable voice and figure within the football media landscape. His coverage of NFL games placed him regularly around teams, players, and major league events for decades. During that time, he raised his children in close proximity to the sport he covered. His son Larry Fitzgerald often accompanied him to football environments, including early experiences around the Minnesota Vikings organization, where Fitzgerald Sr. frequently reported. Those early connections helped shape the younger Fitzgerald’s understanding of the game. His exposure to professional football from a young age contributed to his development into one of the most polished and respected receivers the league has ever seen. Fitzgerald Sr.’s presence was also felt beyond journalism, as he built relationships with players across generations. One of the most notable connections came with Hall of Famer Randy Moss, who knew the Fitzgerald family during his early years and later took part in celebrating Larry Fitzgerald’s own Hall of Fame induction.

3. A Visible Father-Son Bond In The NFL

Throughout Larry Fitzgerald’s NFL career, his father remained a highly visible and passionate supporter. One of the most recognizable images of Fitzgerald Sr. was his consistent presence in press boxes wearing his son’s Arizona Cardinals jersey. Despite professional dress codes for working media, he frequently chose to display his pride in his son’s accomplishments, creating a symbolic representation of their close relationship and mutual dedication to the sport. That bond was on full display during Super Bowl XLIII, when Larry Fitzgerald helped lead the Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Fitzgerald Sr. was in attendance as Arizona narrowly fell 27-23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the most memorable championship games in league history. One of the defining moments of that game came on Santonio Holmes’ game-winning touchdown catch in the closing moments. Despite the heartbreak for Arizona, Fitzgerald Sr. remained a visible and supportive figure throughout his son’s historic performance, which included 127 receiving yards and seven catches.