GLENDALE – The second Larry Fitzgerald became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was a forgone conclusion he was going in. The legendary Arizona Cardinals wide receiver for the past four months has survived each round of elimination going from 128 to a top 15. Despite being a heavy favorite to be inducted, after the snubbing of Bill Belichick anything can happen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, no snubbing here, as Fitzgerald was announced as one of the five players to be a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 class at NFL Honors on Thursday. He becomes the 24th Cardinals players in the Hall of Fame, and a first-ballot Hall of Fame. The first Arizona player to receive that honor since Emmitt Smith in 2010, and second in franchise history to earn that reward and stay with team for entire career (Ollie Matson 1972).
Feb 13, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Larry Fitzgerald at the Super Bowl Host Committee Handoff press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Fitzgerald first-ballot Hall of Famer:
In the Cardinals history books, Fitzgerald is first in receptions (1,432), receiving yards (17,492), and receiving touchdowns (121), doubling second place in all categories. Easily the best player to wear the red and white, and has a case of being one of the best wide receiver to lace up a pair of cleats.
The 42-year-old has the second-most receiving yards by any receiver in NFL history, only behind Jerry Rice. The 11-time Pro Bowler has one of the best postseason runs in league history back in 2008. Fitzgerald had 546 receiving yards for seven touchdowns, both records for a single postseason run.
Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. The Steelers beat the Cardinals 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Despite not finishing his career with a Super Bowl, the All-Pro is viewed as one of the most well-respected players in league history, as his loyalty to the Cardinals earned him legend status and a Hall of Fame berth.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
