There’s a first time for everything: Larry Fitzgerald spikes the ball

Oct 28, 2018, 6:33 PM | Updated: 6:57 pm

49ers Cardinals Football Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

BY VINCE MAROTTA

Arizona Sports

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Act like you’ve been there before.

You’ve heard that saying countless times when it comes to post-touchdown celebrations in the NFL.

Some, in fact most, it seems, choose elaborate hey-look-at-me-type gyrations after finding the end zone. That’s one of the reasons why Larry Fitzgerald stands out.

Only six receivers in the history of the NFL have scored more touchdowns than Fitzgerald (he scored his 112th Sunday), yet it’s always a flip of the ball to the official and a jog off the field.

That’s why what happened after Fitzgerald caught a two-point conversion pass from Josh Rosen late in the game, thousands said “huh?”

After crossing the goal line, the 15-year veteran full-on Gronk-spiked the ball into the turf at State Farm Stadium.

A Fitz spike?!?!@LarryFitzgerald said that’s the first he could remember spiking the ball. 😂 pic.twitter.com/n0EFWK2TTa

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 29, 2018

“I never spiked a football before in my life,” Fitzgerald explained after the Cardinals’ 18-15 win. “I was a little frustrated, I had a heavy heart today. My oldest son Devin didn’t want to come to the game today, so my feelings were a little hurt.

“I was carrying that around all day, so when I got in there, I let it all out.”

Fitzgerald then turned the explanation for his emotion into an apology.

“To all the kids that were watching, I’m sorry, I set a bad example today,” he said with a smile.

His teammates didn’t seem to mind.

“That’s cocky Larry right there,” left tackle D.J. Humphries said. “That’s a fresh sighting. I like it, though. I haven’t seen that in 15 years. I was like, ‘Nobody has seen that Larry.’ I was really excited to see it.

“Then to watch him dog somebody on the goal line, I told you he doesn’t need a gold jacket, he needs a gold suit.”

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) greets San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) gestures after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen gets San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden (44) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) wears a clown mask prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich warms up his players prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen (3) talks with then-quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Glendale, Ariz. Leftwich, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator, is the fifth coordinator that Rosen has had in the past five seasons. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) celebrates recovering the football in the end zone for a safety against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh (54) makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James (13) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals safety Eddie Pleasant during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chad Williams (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk make the catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward, right, makes the hit as strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) runs for touchdown after the catch as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) celebrates his touchdown pass with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his hit by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) after the throw during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and linebacker Fred Warner during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (46) is hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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