Larry Fitzgerald Jr. pays tribute after father’s death

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. called Larry Fitzgerald Sr. “the rock” of their family after his father’s death on Monday.

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 taught us that perseverance, hard work, and unwavering… pic.twitter.com/kgszHR8m3b

— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) June 2, 2026

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

“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.”

Fitzgerald Sr. died Monday at 71. The cause of death is not publicly known.

The Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings also paid their respects to Fitzgerald Sr. following his death.

He was a longtime broadcaster and sportswriter in the Minneapolis area, where he covered the Vikings, among other teams.

Fitzgerald Sr., who helped produce former Vikings head coach Dennis Green’s radio show, was instrumental in getting his son in with Minnesota as a ball boy where he worked closely with wide receivers Randy Moss, Cris Carter and others.

The rest is history.

“Our deepest condolences to Larry Fitzgerald and his family on the passing of Larry Sr., who spent so much time around the Cardinals and press boxes across the NFL,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to all of you during this incredibly difficult time.”

pic.twitter.com/VUGqDq2wjU

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 2, 2026

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

“Beyond his reputation in the media, Larry was a dedicated father and a community leader who cared deeply about the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Our hearts are with Larry Jr., Marcus and the entire Fitzgerald family, as well as Larry’s friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss.”

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