Hall of Fame
Position: Wide Receiver
Years: 2002-03
Place of Birth: Minneapolis, MN
Date of Birth: August 31, 1983
Jersey Number: 1
Height: 6-3
Weight: 218
High School: Academy of Holy Angels (Richfield, MN)
One of the most dazzling players ever, Larry Fitzgerald produced one of the most decorated careers for a wide receiver in history of college football, including becoming the first sophomore to win honors as the Walter Camp Player of the Year. The Minneapolis, Minnesota, native now becomes the 20th Pitt player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A 2003 unanimous First Team All-American and the Heisman Trophy runner-up, Fitzgerald was virtually unstoppable in 2003 during his sophomore campaign, compiling 92 catches for 1,672 yards (18.2 avg.) and 22 touchdowns. Facing double and even triple coverage each week, Fitzgerald led the nation in receiving yards per game (128.62 avg.) and touchdown catches. His performance in 2003 also earned him the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver, and he became the first-ever sophomore to win Walter Camp Player of the Year award. The 2003 Big East Offensive Player of the Year and the 2002 Big East Rookie of the Year, Fitzgerald was a two-time unanimous First Team All-Big East selection.
Despite only playing two seasons with the Panthers, Fitzgerald totaled 161 catches for 2,677 yards (16.6 avg.) and a Pitt-record 34 touchdowns. He caught a touchdown in 18-consecutive games to set an NCAA record. He also owns the NCAA record as a freshman and sophomore (34); single-season receiving yards by a sophomore (1,672); and is tied for most games catching a touchdown in a single season (12). In total, Fitzgerald set or tied four NCAA marks, eight Big East records and 11 Pitt marks.
The team went 17-9 during his two years with the Panthers, including a win in the 2002 Insight Bowl and a final No. 18 ranking and an appearance in the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl.
The third overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-year pro career with the Arizona Cardinals (2004-20). An 11-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL 100 All-Time Team, he ranks second in NFL history in receiving yards (17,492) and receptions (1,432). Following the 2016 season, Fitzgerald was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
Fitzgerald has done extensive philanthropic work, both in the United States and globally. Through his two foundations -- the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund and the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund -- he has helped thousands by providing funds for kids and families in crisis. To honor his late mother, Carol, he has been heavily involved in furthering breast cancer awareness and research.
Fitzgerald's No. 1 was officially retired by Pitt in 2013. He currently works as an analyst for ESPN, and he holds a minority stake in the Phoenix Suns.
