Who was Larry Fitzgerald Sr.? Father of NFL legend dies at 71 ahead of Hall of Fame induction

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., veteran sportswriter, broadcaster, and the father of Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald Jr., died on June 1 at the age of 71. His family confirmed that he passed away surrounded by loved ones.

The loss comes just weeks before Fitzgerald Jr. is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.While NFL fans knew him through his son's remarkable career, Fitzgerald Sr. established a respected legacy of his own. For decades, he worked in journalism, supported charitable causes, and remained a prominent figure in Minnesota's sports community.

Marcus Fitzgerald's tribute highlighted the lasting impact of Larry Fitzgerald Sr.

The family announced Fitzgerald Sr.'s death through a statement shared by his son, Marcus Fitzgerald, on his X account.He wrote, "A devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community, he spent his life pouring into the people and the city he loved so much," Marcus wrote while announcing his father's passing. He also said Fitzgerald Sr. died surrounded by family and "the people who loved him most."

Born in Chicago, Fitzgerald Sr. played college football at Indian Hills Community College before continuing at Indiana State University.

After graduating in 1978, he built a long career in sports journalism and became a respected figure in Minnesota media.His work with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder earned him recognition throughout the local sports community. Over the years, he covered athletes, major sporting events, and community stories while establishing himself as one of Minnesota's most familiar sports voices.His impact also reached beyond journalism. Following the death of his wife, Carol Fitzgerald, from breast cancer in 2003, he established the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund.

The initiative supported breast cancer and HIV research, causes that remained deeply personal to the family.The tragic news of his passing has brought added emotion to an important year for the Fitzgerald family. In August, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The former Cardinals star retired with 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, and 121 touchdowns, cementing his place among the greatest receivers in NFL history.

Tributes pour in as fans remember Larry Fitzgerald Sr.'s impact

Marcus Fitzgerald's announcement quickly drew messages of support from fans, friends, and members of the football community. One fan wrote, "Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family ❤️."Another fan shared his condolences, "My sincerest condolences to you and your family. He was a great man and a man of the community. He will be truly missed."Others said, "Our condolences to the Fitzgerald family. May your father rest in peace."A fourth fan added, "So sorry, Marcus and family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you all ❤️🙏🏼."The responses reflected the respect Fitzgerald Sr. earned throughout his life. While fans knew him through his connection to the NFL, those who followed his work in Minnesota journalism and community service remembered a man whose influence goes far beyond the game.