Raising Zona
FanSided

Larry Legend: Fitzgerald still adding to Hall of Fame career

By Mark A. Hernandez

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is introduced prior to the start of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is introduced prior to the start of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

In a season gone awry, one thing has remained constant: Larry Fitzgerald continues to rack up personal milestones on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

I’ve been lucky enough to see Larry Fitzgerald’s entire career unfold before my very eyes. I was 15-years-old when my father took me to his first home game as a Cardinal his rookie season on Sept. 19, 2004. A loss to the New England Patriots in Tempe at Sun Devil Stadium.

Since then, the “wow’s” have become an understatement — and almost normal — for the man that makes pass-catching look like an art. He’s also taken an admirable, low-key approach to his game at a position filled with colorful personalities and Prima Donna’s.

A simple flip of the ball to the ref after a touchdown is just enough for him. No dancing, no popcorn, not antics — just Fitz.

His latest achievements came this past Sunday. He became the faster player to reach 1,200 receptions for a career (214 games), and passed Isaac Bruce on the all-time receiving yards list, putting him fourth, behind only Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice.

At 15,267 yards, Fitzgerald, 34, is just 25 yards behind Randy Moss. A feat that should be reached by the end of this Sunday’s game. As of today, Fitzgerald is trailing Terrell Owens for second all-time by 667 yards. A number that surely will need another season of production.

More from Raising Zona

With at least one more year with the Cardinals after an extension, passing Owens would be inevitable should he decide not to retire.

But don’t ask him about personal accolades until he hangs up the cleats. Recently, according to The Arizona Republic, Fitz was only focused on the fact that the team had another loss on the season.

“It’s hard  to take any joy in losing,” he said. “When I’m done and retired, when I see you out at Starbucks one day, we can reminisce about it, but I don’t feel good about it.”

Probably the most Fitz-like response you can give a reporter.

Larry Fitzgerald will be a Hall of Famer, Super Bowl win or not. But should he decide to play another year and finally win that coveted ring, he’ll solidify himself as of the greatest of all time.

But for now, all he wants to do is win a game on Sunday’s.

Home/Cardinals News