CANTON — The Arizona Cardinals will kick off the 2026 NFL preseason by honoring one of the most iconic players in franchise history — Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald.
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Sept. 14, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald against the Miami Dolphins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that the Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will face off in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Fitzgerald, the face of the franchise for 17 seasons, is set to be inducted as part of the 2026 Hall of Fame Class for his contributions not only in the Valley but across the entire league.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is nearing the end of his 16th NFL season, all with the Cardinals. © Michael Chow/USA TODAY NETWORK, Arizona Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC
The former Cardinals wide receiver retired second in NFL history in career receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492) — all with Arizona. His postseason performance in Super Bowl XLIII remains one of the most dominant stretches ever by a player at his position.
Fitzgerald dominated as a receiver, but his leadership, loyalty, and durability also helped shape a franchise that had long searched for a defining figure, finding one in No. 11.
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
The Hall of Fame Game isn’t just Game 1 of the season. It’s now a celebration of a player who put Arizona on the national stage. Fitzgerald taking his place among the greats is a testament to what was built in the desert and the greatness that rose from it.
When the Cardinals take the field against the Panthers, it will mark the beginning of a new era while honoring a legacy that helped define the franchise.
It’s official! The Arizona Cardinals @AZCardinals and Carolina Panthers @panthers will open the 2026 @NFL season in Canton in the Hall of Fame Game presented by @Novartis. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 9, at noon. https://t.co/zEipy04fj5 pic.twitter.com/BoDhLEUZWe
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) March 4, 2026
Arizona and Carolina kick off on Thursday, Aug. 6, and fans can purchase tickets beginning Monday, March 9.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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