News Release: AZCARDINALS.COM
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who said he had more fun this season than the recent past, has a laugh on the sideline during the Cardinals’ December game against Cleveland.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who said he had more fun this season than the recent past, has a laugh on the sideline during the Cardinals’ December game against Cleveland.
Larry Fitzgerald isn’t done yet.
The future Hall of Fame wide receiver who will turn 37 in late August, is returning for his 17th NFL season. That news came Wednesday as a by-product of the one-year contract Fitzgerald signed for 2020. He had been scheduled to become a free agent in March.
Fitzgerald hauled in 74 receptions for 804 yards and four touchdowns – all team bests — in 2019. After 16 seasons, he has 1,378 catches and 17,083 yards, both marks second-most in NFL history behind only Jerry Rice. His 120 receiving touchdowns are sixth all-time.
Fitzgerald, who also played in game No. 250 in the season finale in Los Angeles, has an active 243-game receptions streak, the second-longest ever behind Rice.
When the season was over, coach Kliff Kingsbury said he had a basic pitch he’d give to Fitzgerald while he mulled his future: “Please come back.”
“I think he’s playing as good as anybody, honestly,” Kingsbury said. “You watch what he does week-in and week-out, the little things, the blocking and the toughness that he brings to the offensive side of the football. We missed him twice for huge plays yesterday. He’s just still creating separation. He does it all.”
Given how Fitzgerald talked about the team and his season late in the year, his return is not a surprise.
“The atmosphere, the positivity, I think it’s a lot of different reasons, but it’s been a great year,” Fitzgerald said after the last game in Los Angeles. “For a five-win season, I can’t remember having as much joy in the process.”
The wide receiver position remains in the spotlight for the Cardinals. Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, like after 2018, give the Cards a solid starting point. Damiere Byrd and Pharoh Cooper provided help, but there are still questions about the rookie class of Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler and KeeSean Johnson, and there has been speculation about the Cards potentially spending a high pick at the position.
If they do draft another wide receiver, he’ll have a chance to be mentored by Fitzgerald.
“I love the organization with all my heart,” Fitzgerald said following the finale. “I’ve given everything I’ve had for 16 years.”
And now, a 17th.
