Fitzgerald a finalist for Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
Jun 14, 2017, 1:52 PM | Updated: 1:53 pm
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. The Saints won 48-41. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was named a finalist for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award on Wednesday.
Fitzgerald is joined by other finalists PGA golfer Ernie Els, Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames and Curtis Granderson of the New York Mets. The winner of the award will be announced on July 11 in Los Angeles.
Earlier this year, Fitzgerald along with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning were named co-winners of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in recognition for their service to the community.
On Tuesday, Fitzgerald received the Pro Football Writers of America’s annual Good Guy Award for his extraordinary cooperation with the media.
The Cardinals’ receiver had done a considerable amount of community service work through his First Down Fund. The fund has provided school supplies, field trips and technology to middle and high school students in the Minneapolis and Phoenix areas.
In addition to his work with the fund, Fitzgerald has been a champion for breast cancer awareness and research and teamed up with international aid and foundations to fit hundreds with hearing aids and provide wells and irrigation systems to underdeveloped communities in Africa.
Drafted in the first round with the No. 3 pick in 2004 by the Cardinals, Fitzgerald will enter his 14th season in the NFL this year and turns 34 on Aug. 31.
