A game-breaker who's a constant threat to score. A consummate pro who runs nice routes, will make tough grabs, and has a second gear after the catch. Very elusive in the open field. Brings a rare mix of size, athleticism, and great hands to the wideout position.
Flaws:
Has a history of minor nagging injuries. Could be a better blocker for his size. Can be pretty inconsistent year-to-year and needs to show he can get the most out of his all-world tools all the time.
Career Potential:
Pro Bowl wideout.
Career Honors & Awards
League
Honor
Description
NFL
Pro Bowl MVP
2008
NFL
Named to play in Pro Bowl
2012 (injury replacement), 2011, 2010, 2009 (did not play - injured), 2008, 2007, 2005
NCAA
Walter Camp Award
2003
NCAA
Fred Biletnikoff Award
2003
Movements & Injuries
2012
10/12/2012
Fined $7,875 by the NFL.
2011
8/20/2011
Signed by the Arizona Cardinals to an eight-year contract extension.
2008
3/11/2008
Re-signed by the Arizona Cardinals to a four-year contract.
2004
8/02/2004
Agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals on a six-year contract.
Career Transactions
2004
4/24/2004
Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1st round (3rd overall) in 2004.
Player News
Larry Fitzgerald spending time in the slot | 05/14/2013 8:59 PM
News
Larry Fitzgerald has spent time in the slot in Cardinals OTAs.
azcardinals.com
Impact
It's part of new coach Bruce Arians' pledge to move Fitzgerald all over the field in an effort to get him more open looks. Former coach Ken Whisenhunt flipped Fitz from side-to-side last season, but rarely used him in the slot. Arians followed a similar blueprint as he helped coax a bounce-back campaign out of Reggie Wayne in 2012. Moving Fitzgerald around should certainly help, but Carson Palmer's play will be by far the most important factor of a potential turnaround. We like Fitz's chances of getting back on track.
Cardinals did not play explosive 2012 offense | 05/06/2013 4:35 PM
News
The 2012 Arizona Cardinals managed just nine passing plays of 30 or more yards.
azcardinals.com
Impact
Rookie Michael Floyd led the team in yards per reception with a paltry 12.5 average, while Larry Fitzgerald averaged 11.2 and Andre Roberts managed 11.9. Carson Palmer probably isn't going to Pro Bowls in Arizona, but combined with aggressive and pass-happy coach Bruce Arians, should have little trouble increasing the team's downfield passing efficiency considering the depths reached with John Skelton, Ryan Lindley, and Kevin Kolb at the helm.
Arians: Fitz can go for 100 catches, 10-15 TD | 04/25/2013 12:38 PM
News
New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says he's targeting "over 100 catches and 10-15 touchdowns" for Larry Fitzgerald in 2013.
Sports Radio Interviews
Impact
Reggie Wayne looked washed up before Arians got a hold of him in 2012, and Wayne's career renaissance at age 34 wrapped up with a 106/1,355/12.8/5 line. Fitzgerald is only 29 years old with plenty of good football left. Arians' highly vertical, pass-happy offense and Carson Palmer can help rejuvenate him.
Larry Fitzgerald excited to work with Palmer | 04/03/2013 8:33 AM
News
Larry Fitzgerald said he is in "prove it mode" this season.
azcardinals.com
'Zero chance' Cardinals deal Larry Fitzgerald | 03/18/2013 2:22 PM
News
According to the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers, there is "zero chance" the Cardinals trade Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.
Kent Somers on Twitter
Impact
A Fitz trade is "not happening," reported Somers, who noted that Arizona would absorb a whopping $15 million cap hit to move Fitzgerald. (The Cardinals are already not in great salary-cap shape.) Since Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted his team was pursuing wide receivers, many rumor mongers have speculated Fitzgerald could be headed to Indianapolis. Look for the Colts to add a significantly lower-profile receiver such as Doug Baldwin or Davone Bess.
Arians hints at plans for Larry Fitzgerald | 01/23/2013 4:32 PM
News
New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians hints he plans to move Larry Fitzgerald all over the field in an effort to get him more clean looks in 2013.
azcardinals.com
Impact
Arians believes he can coax the same kind of renaissance out of Fitzgerald as he did with Reggie Wayne in 2012. "As a receiver, you can't hand it to them, you have to throw it to them," Arians said. "When I first met with Reggie, Reggie had been on the left side for 10 years. The first day of spring I put him over there on the right, and he looked like he had palsy. I said, `It'll come. You have to retrain your body here. Wait until I put you in the slot.' There was buy-in." Former coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't shy about moving Fitzgerald around the field, but nothing worked in 2012. The key to a turnaround will, of course, be at quarterback, but Arians has a history of getting the most out of his receivers. We can only hope that will be the case with Fitz in 2013.
