Like Aaron Rodgers in the last article, Larry Fitzgerald is also very mild-mannered and does not spend much time in the media spotlight. He tries his best to humble himself before God and others. The All-Pro wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals is one of the greatest players in franchise history. He currently has caught 846 receptions for 11,367 yards and 87 touchdowns and he is only 30 years old! Fitzgerald was drafted third overall by the Cardinals in 2004 and really made an impact in 2005 when he put up 103 catches for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns. Since then, he has had six 1,000-yard seasons and has had double-digit receiving touchdowns in five of them.
Fitzgerald was a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings and watched Cris Carter how to play the position up close and personal. He went on to play for the University of Pittsburgh where in 2003 he was named the best receiver of the year and 1st-Team All-American, putting up monster numbers. Now, the veteran has been to 8 Pro Bowls and holds seven franchise records for the Cardinals. He also holds the NFL record for the most catches, yards and touchdowns in the postseason when Arizona went on that Super Bowl run in 2008. This guy is definitely a superstar and still one of the best receivers in the league. However, he lets God decide his fate on how great he is.
“I believe in God,” Fitzgerald said. “God controls my fate. Whatever God’s plan is, I will follow.” (Credit: Athletes4Christ)
Fitzgerald has come a long way since being a ball boy in Minnesota. He never knew that God would cut out a path like this for him. Fitzgerald understands that God holds the future in His hands and He decides whether or not things work out our way. All that matters is that He gets the glory and Fitzgerald does that through his play in football.
“Faith in God, a positive mind-set, and hard work will take you a long way,” Fitzgerald plainly puts it.
Fitzgerald established the “Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund” to help kids and their families by funding positive activities for kids during the summer and throughout the year, supporting kids and families in crisis and supporting health-related organizations that work with families. Each summer, Arizona and Minnesota holds youth football camps through Fitzgerald’s charity. He also partners with other companies to provide children with technology, new football helmets and new recreation equipment. In the past, Fitzgerald has made trips to places like Africa, India, Thailand and the Philippines to support economic growth in the underprivileged communities.
Fitzgerald does a lot on and off the field. Most importantly, he gives thanks and credits God in everything that he does. He serves as a good role model in the NFL community and establishes his faith in the One who controls his life for His glory.
The Basket Foot 