Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has decided to give it one more go this year as he’s set to return for his 15th NFL season. His plans to continue his career after this season are still uncertain at this point, though.
The biggest reason for Fitzgerald to come back would be to win Super Bowl ring, which is just about the only thing missing from his first-ballot Hall-of-Fame career. And as a Minnesota native, no one would begrudge Fitzgerald if he chooses to chase that elusive goal with his hometown Vikings, who appear to be legit contenders. But the legendary wide receiver assures everyone that that will not happen.
“If I’m not playing in Arizona, I won’t be playing anywhere,” he said, according to the Pioneer Press’ Jace Frederick. “I’ve built a good life for myself down there. Playing in the same place for 15 years is a true blessing.”
Fitzgerald, 34, has played an astounding 218 out of a possible 224 regular-season games since the Cardinals took him with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. He’s pretty much been one of the best receivers in the entire league over that span and is one of, if not the greatest player in Cardinals franchise history.
Even as he’s entered his mid-30s, Fitz is still putting up impressive numbers. He’s had at least 107 catches, 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns over the last three seasons and has made the Pro Bowl all three times.
Thanks to that remarkable consistency, Fitz is well on pace to surpass Tony Gonzalez for No. 2 on the all-time receptions list this season. He’s just 91 behind the legendary tight end. He’s also just 389 yards shy of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens for No. 2 in all-time receiving yards.
But Fitzgerald currently sits at No. 1 in both receptions and receiving yards by a player for only one franchise. And if he stays true to his word and sees out his career with the Cardinals, he’ll have that spot for years to come.
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