As the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed its Class of 2025, one name was noticeably missing: Larry Fitzgerald, the Arizona Cardinals legend and one of the NFL’s all-time great wide receivers.
At 41, Fitzgerald is considered a sure Hall of Famer due to his impressive stats, character, and sportsmanship, leading many to wonder when he will be inducted into Canton.
Larry Fitzgerald’s Love For Football Started Long Before He Became a Recognizable Name
Growing up in Minneapolis, Fitzgerald worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings under head coach Dennis Green. A young Larry closely observed NFL stars such as Cris Carter and Randy Moss, which added to his love for the sport. His love for football took shape at Minneapolis North High School, where Fitzgerald appeared as a two-time first-team All-State wide receiver.
After that, he spent a year at Valley Forge Military Academy to overcome academic challenges and improve his skills before moving on to college football. Fitzgerald continued playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was considered one of the best receivers in college from 2002 to 2003.
As a sophomore, he was a Heisman Trophy runner-up, a rare feat for a non-senior, and he carried three voting regions, strong evidence of his dominance. Ten years after his time with the Panthers, Pitt retired his No. 1 jersey in 2013 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Larry was selected third overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, where fate stepped in to reconnect Larry with coach Dennis Green once again, not as a ball boy but as a wide receiver. Over the next 17 years, Fitzgerald became the heart and soul of the Cardinals, rewriting the franchise record books. During his time with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2008.
He holds the Cardinals franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and 100-yard games. One of his most iconic moments came in Super Bowl XLIII when he made seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns, almost leading the Cardinals to upset the Steelers.
Is Larry Fitzgerald a Hall of Famer, and When will He Receive the Call
Fitzgerald’s resume screams first-ballot induction. He ranks second in career receptions and yardage, has 121 touchdowns, spent 17 seasons with one team, and is a strong role model, making his Hall of Fame induction a no-brainer. Yet, Fitzgerald himself brushes off the speculation with his signature humility. Speaking to the Cardinals’ official website, he chuckled, saying,
“I have zero control over it. I try to control the controllables.”
AZCardinals
Even though he never won a Super Bowl and had inconsistent quarterbacks during his prime, his impressive stats and influence on the game are far more meaningful than any championship ring. Fitzgerald last played in the 2020 NFL season, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame requires a five-year waiting period after a player’s final game.
Since the 2020 season ended in early 2021, Fitzgerald became eligible for the Class of 2026. The Class of 2026 will be finalized in February 2026, just before the Super Bowl. Given his credentials, Fitzgerald is a near-certain first-ballot inductee, joining legends like Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Terrell Owens in Canton, Ohio.
