No matter where he goes, the arguably greatest athlete in the history of the Grand Canyon State will always have a seat reserved for him.
Larry Fitzgerald still may not be sure if he will come back to the Arizona Cardinals this season. But he may take comfort in knowing no one will blame him, regardless of his decision.
The 17-season veteran was asked about his future during the July 9 episode of ESPN’s “The Jump”.
“I haven’t decided anything,” Fitzgerald said according to Pro Football Talk. “Training camp starts in a few weeks. I’m excited, it’s going to be another great year for the NFL.”
Fitzgerald is simply an Arizona titan amongst men in legend and sport. In both influence and competitive drive, he exudes a spirit strong with both traits after several seasons.
His charitable nature, filled with sincere generosity, has no bounds as Cardinals fans and sports fans everywhere know well. The wideout even has his own travel company and has explored the world during his off time.
Yet, the annual tradition of trepidation this time of year remains, even in the shadow of the Phoenix Suns pursuing their first NBA title. Yet, Fitzgerald remains a subtle presence even now. His interview on ESPN is a reminder of his role as a minority owner of the Suns.
The football field is his sacred ground, years upon years of his career playing in the desert. It is on the field that Fitzgerald gives his all to a sport that chews and spits one back out hard. But despite football’s at-times unforgiving nature, Fitzgerald persists.
The sure-fire Hall of Famer’s longevity is one of his most admirable traits. But everyone knows the truth about good things and the end is something Cardinals fans know is inevitable.
Taking His Time
For the past few seasons, Fitzgerald has been going his own way. While some Cardinals went to OTAs this year, he partook in TNT’s “The Match” as a guest analyst. The wide receiver preferring to watch as fellow NFL greats Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers duke it out on the green.
It’s a well-earned privilege after all, not to mention golf is also a favorite pastime of Fitzgerald besides his traveling. Furthermore, he has used golf as means of giving back. The wideout’s previously mentioned philanthropy on display in his native Minnesota, helping repaint a Minneapolis Boys and Girls Club back on June 13.
All of which has been mostly without a peep on his status. Fitzgerald, as always, lets others speculate and debate as the veteran star continues to live his best life.
Fitzgerald hasn’t said much on the future of his position either, but one would like to believe he’s got utmost faith in the 2021 core. DeAndre Hopkins is understandably going to be the long-term anchor of the group. A.J. Green adds a reliable veteran presence as Christian Kirk and Rondale Moore look to prove their worth.
The speculation that Fitzgerald’s time may seriously be in jeopardy came after Moore’s selection in the draft. Combined with the wideout’s gradual decline, the concern is warranted.
Of course, the Red Sea is likely not going to know if that’s final anytime soon, Fitzgerald is part-owner of an exciting basketball team right now.
So, only time will tell if Fitzgerald is through with football. But one look at how the Cardinal great continues to enrich his life every day, cleats or no cleats, shows he’s happy. He’s proven so much over the years and depending on what happens next, he may come back just to see what he still can prove after 17 seasons.