By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Getty
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is one of the finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Fitzgerald is one of the most loyal players we have ever seen. He’s been there for the Cardinals through the ups and downs. He could’ve left and played elsewhere, but he loved the Cardinals organization and fan base and wanted to build his legacy in Arizona.
Being a finalist for the Hall of Fame adds another accomplishment to his incredible resume. Fitzgerald got selected to the NFL 100’All-Team several years ago. One of the best hands to ever play in the wide receiver position. His athleticism and running, slants, and routes were tremendous.
His journey to the Hall of Fame began when he played at the University of Pittsburgh.
Fitzgerald arrived at the scene when he made his first catch in the NFL in 2004 against the Rams. In that game, he had four receptions and 70 yards. His first career touchdown happened in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Fitzgerald finished that game with five receptions and 94 yards. His rookie season was impressive. His season stats were 58 receptions, 760 yards, and eight touchdowns.
When Kurt Warner arrived in Arizona, Fitzgerald became a much better player. Having a veteran Hall of Fame quarterback like Warner will make you see the game differently, and the communication will be more professional and intelligent. Fitzgerald learned a lot from Warner. Warner is one of the reasons why Fitzgerald had a tremendous sophomore season. He made it to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career after recording 103 receptions, 1,409 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Fitzgerald became much more well-known during the Cardinals’ 2008 playoff run. The numbers he puts up were staggering. He also made some of the most outstanding catches.
– NFC Wild Card vs Atlanta Falcons: 6 receptions, 101 yards, touchdown
– NFC Divisional Game vs Carolina Panthers: 8 receptions, 166 yards, touchdown
– NFC Championship Game vs Philadelphia Eagles: 9 receptions, 152 yards, three touchdowns
– Super Bowl XLIII vs the Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 receptions, 126 yards, two touchdowns
Although the Cardinals didn’t win the Super Bowl, we will never forget that huge play with less than 3 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. He gave the Cardinals a 23-20 lead before the Steelers answered back with a touchdown.
Larry is a living legend. He was blessed to play for one organization for 17 seasons. Fitzgerald had great teammates and coaches along the way. Larry is also a class act who helps communities and does all-around good work outside the football field.
We look forward to his Hall of Fame speech, which should be inspiring. His career accomplishments included the following: 11 Pro Bowl appearances, three Associated Press First Team All-Pro honors, 1,432 receptions for 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdown receptions.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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