Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a decorated Minnesota sportswriter and father of the Cardinals legend and Hall of Fame wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., passed away on Monday. 

Fitzgerald Jr.’s brother, Marcus R Fitzgerald, announced the passing of their father, who was 71 years old.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr," Marcus wrote. "He left us peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and the people who loved him most."

Fitzgerald’s career spanned over five decades. He spent 45 years as the sports editor and columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, per ESPN. 

Fitzgerald Sr. also started his radio journey in 1978 with Minnesota’s KMOJ-FM 89.9. In the early 1990s, he also worked for Voyager Broadcasting and hosted on KFAN. 

After leaving KFAN in 1994, he hosted a Minnesota Timberwolves post-game show that aired live inside Target Center. He also appeared on Almanac, a weekly news and public affairs program by Twin Cities PBS.

Fitzgerald Sr. was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College in Iowa and Prairie View College. 

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN shared that Larry Fitzgerald Sr. was spotted regularly at press boxes at whichever stadium his son played at throughout his NFL career.

Fans Pay Tribute to Sportswriter and Broadcaster Larry Fitzgerald Sr.

The Arizona Cardinals mourned the loss and posted an official statement on X.

“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,” shared the Cardinals. “Our hearts go out to all of you during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Cardinals fans mourned the loss of Fitzgerald Jr.’s father and paid their tribute on the Arizona Cardinals’ post on X. 

“@LarryFitzgerald Our hearts truly broke for you when we heard about the passing of your father. We know how much he meant to you, not just as your dad but as a mentor and your biggest champion. Please know that my family and I are sending our deepest, most sincere condolences,” wrote a fan. 

His son Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was the wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals throughout his 17-year NFL journey and was the third-overall pick in 2004.

He was able to see his son be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February this year. 

“Rip he created one of the best WRs of all time man,” commented a fan crediting Fitzgerald Sr. for supporting his son’s NFL career.

“Sending them all the love and pray they are able to process this in peace,” wrote a user for the Fitzgerald family. 

Fitzgerald Jr. took to social media to share the unfortunate news. He called his father “the rock of our family” and “a man of strength, love and encouragement”. He credited his father for opening countless doors for him and his brother. 

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore