The Pro Football Hall of Fame released their list of 25 modern-era finalists ahead of the NFL honors ceremony that will be held ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
The requirement to be inducted is that you have to be inactive for five years or more, and while Fitzgerald never formally announced his retirement, his last game played was in 2020, making him eligible.
One Cardinals legend was listed as not only a candidate to be inducted, but also what seems like a shoo-in pick. Larry Fitzgerald played 17 seasons with the Cardinals, and the accolades he earned over the years are endless. An 11-time Pro Bowler, first-team All-Pro selection, Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient in 2016, as well as being selected to the Hall of Fame all-2010s team. Fitzgerald’s résumé speaks for itself, and it would be an utter mistake not to induct him in 2026.
Aside from personal accolades, Fitzgerald finished his illustrious career with 17,492 yards receiving with 121 touchdowns. His durability should never go unnoticed, as he managed to play in all 16 games each season for 13 seasons.
One of Fitzgerald’s signature moments came in the 2015 postseason. In the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers at home, Fitzgerald hauled in a 75-yard catch and run on the first play of overtime, which he took to the five-yard line. He went on to score the game-winning touchdown.
Not many players like Fitzgerald come by very often; his consistency and discipline, mixed in with his kindness on and off the field, should, by default, give him the votes to be inducted.
Around 4-to-8 modern-era players get inducted each year, so it’s safe to say Fitzgerald will be up against some competition. However, not many have the same resume as the now 42-year-old, which should give him enough momentum to be inducted. It will be interesting to see how the ballot looks closer to the end of the season.