Larry Fitzgerald‘s refusal to engage in trash talking has been both confusing and disarming to the Arizona Cardinals opponents
Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald must have been licking his chops. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa had left himself vulnerable, prompting the Cards wide receiver to take full advantage of the situation. Fitzgerald delivered a massive hit on the talented rookie, but it was his behavior afterwards that was more surprising to the defender he leveled.
Bosa revealed after the contest that Arizona’s future Hall of Famer actually apologized to him after the collision. “After that block, Fitzgerald ran up to me and said ‘Sorry man, I’ve got to slow you down somehow”, Bosa told reporters. Based on Fitzgerald’s past history, the fact that he showed remorse to his opponent was hardly a surprise.
Another 49er, cornerback Richard Sherman, finds it difficult to engage in trash talking with the long-time Cardinal. The five-time Pro Bowler has stated that Fitzgerald is “too nice” to fall victim to the derogatory insults that players routinely direct at each other. “There’s definitely mutual respect, and he’s a great guy”, the boisterous Sherman once said about his division rival.
Captain Munnerlyn, a cover guy who’s currently a free agent, has tried not to be affected by Fitzgerald’s classy nature when facing him in the past. “I cannot take the bait”, the 31-year old veteran once proclaimed. “I can’t let him be so nice that I can’t get into game mode.”
Ike Taylor, a former defensive back in the league, has also chimed in about Fitzgerald. “Larry remembers people’s birthdays, anniversaries, just out of the blue”, the one-time Pittsburgh Steeler recalled. “And Fitzgerald only met them one time!”
Stories like these just add to the Fitzgerald mystique. It is quite apparent that the Cards all-time great is just as likable on the field as he is off of it. Just one more reason to admire one of the classiest individuals that the NFL has ever seen.