Larry Fitzgerald Shares Emotional Message After Father's Death

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the father of longtime Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, died this week, the Fitzgerald family shared in a statement.

He was 71 years old. After the news of his passing, the newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame took to social media with an emotional message for his father.

“My father was a man of strength, love and encouragement. He opened countless doors for me and my brother. He believed in us and pushed us to pursue every opportunity with conviction, he was the rock of our family,” he said in a message on social media.

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“He taught us that perseverance, hard work, and unwavering commitment are the foundations of a meaningful life and personal success. I will carry his love, words, and wisdom with me always,” he concluded in a post that showed photos of the two on the golf course.

Fitzgerald Sr. was born and raised in Chicago before playing college football at Indian Hills Community College and Indiana State University. He graduated in 1978 and began a lengthy career in sports media, working as a broadcaster and sportswriter as he became entrenched in the Minneapolis sports scene.

The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement following his death.

“The Vikings organization is saddened by the passing of Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years,” a statement from the team read. “Larry built relationships with players, coaches and staff members of each of the local teams and was recognized across the NFL, covering dozens of Super Bowls and other major events.”

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 7:21 AM.