Larry Fitzgerald selected as Arizona Cardinals ‘Salute to Service’ award nominee
Nov 13, 2014, 3:35 AM | Updated: 3:35 am
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was nominated by the Arizona Cardinals for the “Salute to Service” award.
The award, in its fourth year, recognizes the NFL figure who best demonstrates extraordinary commitment to honoring the military community. Each team nominates one player, coach or front office member.
The Cardinals’ star has made two trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to meet the troops during his career. These trips were put together by the USO and the NFL, and allowed the troops to meet players like Fitzgerald, get their autographs, take pictures and ask questions.
In October, Fitzgerald held a free, two-day football camp for 130 military children at Luke Air Force Base. The camp was in support of an initiative designed to help military members and their families live healthier lives. Fitzgerald participated in a similar camp held in Hawaii in January.
Fitzgerald made another visit to Luke Air Force Base earlier in the year, when he was a passenger on a F-16 jet for an hour-long flight.
Before college, Fitzgerald attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania. His grandfather, aunt and uncle all served in the Army.
The finalists for the award will be announced in January, and the winner will be revealed at the annual “NFL Honors” award show the night before Super Bowl XLIX.