(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Larry Fitzgerald. There are many words that encapsulate the definition of the all-galaxy Arizona Cardinals wide receiver. Most prominently, he’s the epitome of these two adjectives: loyal and legendary.
Merriam-Webster
Loyal: unswerving in allegiance
Throughout the good and bad, Fitzgerald has remained loyal to the Arizona Cardinals.
Legendary: 1) of, relating to, or characteristic of legend or a legend 2) Well-known, Famous
As an all-time great NFL WR, Larry Fitzgerald is legendary.
Two Words, Two Records
Larry Fitzgerald, Kyler Murray & Co. have the Cardinals’ flying high after Arizona’s epic 37-34 overtime victory over their NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks with 14.9 million viewers tuning-in for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Both loyal and legendary, Mr. Fitzgerald fittingly surpassed two NFL records on SNF.
Not only did he squeeze the pigskin with his 1,400th reception in the contest (second all-time behind Jerry Rice – 1,549), Larry finished the affair with 1,407 total catches. Unbelievable.
1️⃣,4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣@LarryFitzgerald has joined Jerry Rice as the only two players in NFL history with 1,400 career receptions. pic.twitter.com/wojSeMBKMK
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 26, 2020
Now 37-years-old, the 6-foot-3 and 218-pound anatomical specimen from Minneapolis, MN, still navigates the field like a 25-year-old stud. Larry Fitzgerald still plays like a young wonder boy, but his veteran savvy is truly indicative of his remarkable 17-year career.
Larry Fitzgerald made sure to set his team up to spike the ball before the game-tying FG 👏
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/FM72EUmbnl
— ESPN (@espn) October 26, 2020
A heads-up Fitzgerald rushed the pigskin back to midfield in order for Murray to spike it with just two-ticks remaining. The resulting tying field goal allowed the Cardinals to force overtime before sealing the deal. Amazing.
The second of two NFL records on SNF had Larry surpassing Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for most receptions all-time in a single stadium. With Rice tallying 646 grabs at the old Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Mr. Fitzgerald now owns the mark outright at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Its name has changed several times over the years, but the venue certainly hasn’t. Congratulations, Larry Fitzgerald.
.@LarryFitzgerald now has 647 career receptions at State Farm Stadium, passing Jerry Rice (646 at Candlestick Park) for the most receptions in a single venue in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/UITl8UKWza
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 26, 2020
NFC West Above the Rest
With a 5-2 mark heading into their bye week, the Cardinals have America believing that they can compete in easily the best division in the NFL.
Russell Wilson’s Seahawks still sit atop the NFC West at 5-1, the Cards and Los Angeles Rams follow at 5-2, and the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers are bottom-feeding with a solid 4-3 start. Add the new seven-team playoff format for each conference in the league (AFC, NFC), and all four squads in the NFC West could have a chance to reach the Super Bowl this postseason.
It’s Super Bowl Ring Time
Taken No. 3-overall in the 2004 NFL Draft from the University of Pittsburgh, Larry Fitzgerald now has an aforementioned 1,407 total pigskin plucks for 17,290 yards (approximately 9.82 miles) and 120 trips to the heezy (touchdowns) for just one franchise — the Arizona Cardinals.
If any player in the league is more deserving of a Super Bowl than Fitzgerald, I’m not buying that argument. The 11-time Pro Bowl selection did play alongside Kurt Warner in Super Bowl 43. With the Cardinals falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-23, on February 1, 2009, does Larry have another Super Bowl run left in the tank? There’s absolutely zero doubt.
Kyler Murray by himself gives the Cardinals a chance at glory. If they can’t reach the promised land, hoisting a Lombardi Trophy after their 2020-21 NFL campaign, Arizona should prove to be a legitimate contender for years to come.
If his body grants him the privilege of playing football several more seasons, Larry Fitzgerald may very well return for an 18th, 19th, or perhaps even 20th season. Go get that Super Bowl ring, Larry. You deserve it.
As loyalty and legend continue to define Mr. Fitzgerald’s professional football career, let’s not forget that we’ve witnessed utter greatness at its highest capacity.
Until next week, be smart, stay safe, and stay healthy.
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Randy your latest article was very informative to read. Larry Fitzgerald really has accomplished a lot and is a great asset to the Arizona Cardinals. We will surely be rooting for the team to have a run for the Super Bowl title. He and QB Murray who you highlighted in last weeks article are a great duo. ✍️ on!