Larry Fitzgerald, set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has stated that he does not believe in the concept of retirement. Fitzgerald, who played his entire 17-year NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, concluded his final game in 2020 at the age of 37.
He explained that his perspective on retirement was shaped by a conversation between his grandfather and former Chicago politician John Stroger. Fitzgerald recalled them discussing how "retirement killing more people in our country than anything," a sentiment that has stayed with him.
"I just don't believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete," Fitzgerald said, according to ESPN. He emphasized that he "protest[s] the word more than the actual thing."
Throughout his final seasons, Fitzgerald consistently deflected questions about retirement and declined the idea of a farewell tour. During his NFL career, he amassed 17,492 receiving yards and 121 touchdowns on 1,432 receptions, earning an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the league's 2010s All-Decade team.
While Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Cardinals, he acknowledged considering a move to another team. "I would be lying to you if it didn’t cross my mind, I didn’t think about it, maybe even had conversations about it, but never seriously tried to put it in motion," he stated. He added that he "loved where I was at" and questioned whether it "would’ve meant the same for me if I went to somewhere where it was already some super team."
Fitzgerald is scheduled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, alongside Drew Brees, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig.