Legendary NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this Saturday, yet he continues to refuse to officially retire from the sport.
Fitzgerald, who played his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, concluded his playing time in 2020. During his career, he accumulated 17,492 receiving yards and 121 touchdowns over 263 appearances. Despite his final game being over six years ago, the 11-time Pro Bowler stated in an interview with the Arizona Cardinals' official team website on Thursday that he has not committed to retirement.
While active players are ineligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Fitzgerald has no plans to return to the field. His stance on retirement is rooted in the philosophies of his grandfather and a close friend, whose views on the concept have stayed with him.
"They'd talk about retirement killing more people in our country than anything," Fitzgerald recalled. "It always stuck with me. I just don't believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete. I was done at 38. Retire? There is no retirement in sight."
He clarified that his protest is more against the word itself than the act of ending his playing career. "I protest the word more than the actual thing. So I just won't acknowledge that," he said.
Fitzgerald ranks second all-time in NFL receiving yards and receptions, and sixth in career receiving touchdowns. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame marks his first year of eligibility.
Beyond football, Fitzgerald is an active venture investor, a minority owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, and a philanthropist. He established the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund in 2014 to support children and families in crisis. He also founded the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund in honor of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2003.
Earlier this year, Fitzgerald was observed in Washington D.C. attending a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh, then a nominee for the Federal Reserve chair position under President Trump. The reason for his attendance at the Capitol Hill hearing remains unclear.