GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals and their fans didn’t have a lot to celebrate in the past year, but the induction of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald into the Pro Football Hall of Fame reigns supreme. The 17-year Cardinals legend puts a cap off his illustrious career with being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Despite not winning a title, Fitzgerald is one of the most important sports figures in Arizona sports history, which Phoenix Suns great Charles Barkley agrees with and doubles down.
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Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley (left) and team owner Mat Ishbia sit courtside against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Barkley calls Fitzgerald the AZ Sports G.O.A.T.
It’s hard to argue against the All-Pro wide receiver from holding that position. However, there is plenty of other candidates vying for the G.O.A.T. spot. Barkley was one of those names, having an NBA MVP and taking the Suns to the Finals, but him bowing out to Fitzgerald eliminates himself.
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; From left: Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees pose during a press conference introducing the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2026 at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
From an accolades perspective, the answer might be former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. He was a four-time Cy Young in Arizona, five-time All-Star and has brought the only title to the Valley, earning World Series Co-MVP on route to that achievement. Johnson spent eight total seasons, which is half of Fitzgerald.
Diamondbacks Randy Johnson (L) and manager Bob Brenly greet each other after the 20th Anniversary team ceremony before a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. on Aug. 4, 2018. © Patrick Breen/The Republic
The final two options are both on the hardwood and the best choices, with future WNBA Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi being a heavy hitter. She was drafted in the same year has Fitzgerald and has the accolades and winning to back her up. Former MVP, 11-time All-Star, the most points in WNBA history and three WNBA championships.
There’s truly only two things that would hold back her case. When she sat out the 2015 season to play overseas in Russia because of monetary value, which isn’t really her fault entirely. The only other cause would be her culture impact to the Valley is hard to compete with Fitzgerald and the last name on this list.
Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi shows off her three WNBA Championship rings during ceremonies at the season opener on June 5, 2015, at US Airways Center in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Current Suns superstar guard Devin Booker does have a realistic chance to catch the 11-time Pro Bowler. Booker has less accolades with five All-Star appearances and two All-NBA that led to a NBA Finals appearance in 2021. What the 29-year-old lacks in plaques he more than doubles in sentimental value and connection to the fans.
Booker has built multiple basketball courts across the state, revamped public parks and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to unprivileged kids in Arizona. When Fitzgerald retired in 2020, it was hard to believe his successor was already playing and has a case for being the AZ sports greatest of all time.
If this conversations happens in a decade the edge could go to Booker, but Fitzgerald will forever be connected to the 48th state and being an icon for many kids across the Valley.
Randy Moss surprises Larry Fitzgerald with 2026 Hall of Fame induction
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
