Arizona Cardinals’ legend back to thrill the fans
By Jim Koch
The announcement that Larry Fitzgerald will return for the 2018 campaign is welcome news to fans of the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals’ fans can rest easy. Weeks of speculation concerning the organization’s legendary wide receiver has resulted in some good news being handed down. And those of us who’ve had the pleasure of bearing witness to his greatness couldn’t be happier.
It’s been announced that Larry Fitzgerald will return for for his 15th NFL season. For the second offseason in a row, the Cards’ all-time leading pass-catcher had considered calling it quits. But for someone who’s still performing at such a high level, retirement has been put on the backburner.
New Arizona head coach Steve Wilks must be thrilled with the wideout’s decision. Fitzgerald’s presence in the locker room is a major positive. New offensive coordinator Mike McCoy also gets to implement into his scheme a weapon who’s been the stabilizing piece of the Cardinals’ receiving corps.
There was some belief that Fitzgerald’s return to the squad would be dependent on who their new quarterback will be. But with the beginning of the league year still weeks away, exactly who would be throwing to the icon in 2018 apparently didn’t factor in. It’s been rumored that Fitzgerald could possibly even be involved in the search for the next signal-caller.
Fitzgerald has been the face of the franchise since being selected with the third-overall pick of the 2004 draft. There’ve been 11 Pro Bowl appearances, and the 6’3″, 220 pounder has topped the 1000-yard plateau nine times. Fitzgerald has also caught at least 100 balls in five separate seasons.
The 34-year old’s prowess on the field is only part of what makes him so special. Fitzgerald, along with New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2016. The honor is given annually to a player (or players) in recognition of his outstanding volunteer and charity work, with his on-field performance also taken into consideration.
Next: Larry Fitzgerald makes right decision to return to Cardinals
Fitzgerald is set to embark on what may be the final act of his professional football journey. Time is winding down on the player who’s perhaps the greatest Cardinal of all time. Enjoy the future Hall of Famer while you still can.