Larry Fitzgerald makes right decision to return to Cardinals
By Scott Allen
After a month and a half of waiting, Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks made the announcement we were all waiting for regarding Larry Fitzgerald
Was there any doubt? Maybe some but for Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the time to make his decision on 2018 was made public, he’s coming back.
On arizonasports.com on Thursday morning, Cardinals heads coach Steve Wilks announced he spoke to Fitz on Wednesday evening and said he was coming back for another season. Based on his production over the past couple of years, this is a great move for Fitz and great news for the Cardinals.
Fitz had 109 receptions in 2017 after leading the NFL with 107 in 2016. He also had 109 receptions in 2015. All three seasons he was over the 1,000-yard mark and had 21 touchdowns in that stretch.
Remember back to when people thought he was done a couple of years ago? Some fans felt like he had peaked or at the very least should make a change of scenery. Fitz has always maintained his love for the Cardinals. He wasn’t ever going to play for anyone else.
Even in announcing he was coming back for 2018, there was no indication about anything after that. That is just fine. A year-to-year proposition should be how he handles it until he decides to hang it up for good.
This upcoming season will be his 15th in the NFL. He turns 35 just before the season begins. The way he is currently playing, there is just no telling how long he might stick around.
One thing is for sure, he is in striking difference of number two on the all-time list for receptions and yards this season. Both are very attainable. Don’t think for a second this didn’t play a part in the decision but it will never completely be about the numbers or the money for Fitz.
He also has uncertainty as to who will join him as a receiver on this roster but that too will get worked out. There is no solid number two receiver on the current roster.
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He knows this is a year where anything can happen. To come back without knowing who his quarterback is going to be is a testament to Fitz and his loyalty to the Cardinals and love of the game.