NFL.com: Fitzgerald’s blocking a mold for building perfect WR

Larry Fitzgerald was drafted in 2004 because of his ability to catch the football, and catch the football he has.

In 186 games over 12 NFL seasons — all with the Arizona Cardinals — he has amassed 1,018 receptions for 13,366 yard and 98 touchdowns. In nine postseason contests he has tallied 57 catches, 942 yards and 10 scores.

Fitzgerald ranks atop the franchise leaderboard for catches, receiving yards and touchdowns, and will one day enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

However, while his hands are still elite and last season he proved he still has something left in the tank at age 32, it is another aspect of the receiver’s game that has opened up some eyes.

Indeed, what has generated quite a bit of attention over the last couple of seasons is Fitzgerald’s ability to block.

Head coach Bruce Arians has often pointed to Fitzgerald’s effort in that area as key to the team’s elite offense, and there was one block in particular that made highlight reels last season.

It came in the team’s Thursday Night Football victory over the Minnesota Vikings, as Fitzgerald paved the way for a Michael Floyd touchdown.

Did someone order pancakes? @LarryFitzgerald is dishing 'em out. #MINvsAZ pic.twitter.com/Gr4sYZwCJ3

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 11, 2015

After that game, Fitzgerald joked that Floyd stole a pass that was intended for him, and really did not want to take too much credit for clearing a path for his teammate because, as he said, it was part of the duty of his job.

At the same time, he admitted blocking is not his favorite thing to do.

“Blocking’s not fun; it’s part of the job, but catching touchdowns is much more glorious,” he said. “You’re not as sore, you don’t have to get in the cold tub as much.

“But it’s a role I’m privileged to have because I know it’s a dirty job and I’m capable of doing it.”

Fitzgerald has proven to be more than a capable blocker, however, and that’s why over at NFL.com, when Gil Brandt was trying to build the perfect wide receiver, he made sure to include Fitzgerald’s blocking.

Fitzgerald is, hands-down, the epitome of what you want as a blocker at the receiver position. He’s still a very good receiver at 32 — he still has very good hands and can make plays. But the bottom line with him is, he appears to simply love football, and he’ll do anything to help the Cardinals, including whatever he has to do to make Arizona’s ground game go. Blocking is all about attitude, and Fitzgerald has the attitude you need: He’ll block anybody, and it’s as important to him as catching passes.

Brandt could have also turned to Fitzgerald’s hands, but instead chose Odell Beckham Jr.’s mitts.

As for Fitzgerald, becoming a stout blocker is something that did not happen overnight. As Brandt notes, besides talent it also takes a love of the game and willingness to do whatever is necessary to help the team. Not all receivers play the game that way, and the Cardinals are fortunate to have a star who does.

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