How Larry Fitzgerald became Phoenix's No. 1 cheerleader
When Arizona Cardinals players hang up their cleats, they often book a one-way ticket back to where they came from. But Hall of Fame-bound wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has sunk his roots deeper into the Valley since retiring in 2020.
Why it matters: Fitzgerald, a Minneapolis native, has become one of Arizona's biggest cheerleaders and most treasured ambassadors.
The big picture: The 11-time Pro Bowler is invested in the state — financially, philanthropically and personally.
His business ventures include co-ownership of AZ Drive, the Valley's Major League Pickleball team.
The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation supports numerous Phoenix-area nonprofits that promote youth education and breast cancer awareness.
And he continues to raise his family in Paradise Valley. His son, Devin Fitzgerald, is a standout wide receiver at Brophy College Prep and has received 2026 scholarship offers from ASU and UofA.
Driving the news: Fitzgerald is preparing for the 15th anniversary of his signature charity event, Fitz's Supper Club, at Dominick's Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter.
Fitzgerald told us last week he plans to use part of the proceeds to continue the mobile mammogram program his foundation launched with Banner MD Anderson last year, which has already served 470 women.
Between the lines: In many ways, Fitzgerald and the Valley grew up together. He was just 20 years old when drafted by the Cardinals in 2004.
He reminisced about how Loop 101 wasn't even finished when he arrived in Phoenix. The Cardinals were still playing at Sun Devil Stadium, awaiting completion of their permanent home in Glendale.
And he was enjoying the spoils of youth and wide-open spaces — riding dirt bikes in the desert near his Ahwatukee home and testing the speed limit on old Pecos Road (what's now Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway) in his BMW, he told us.
State of play: Fitzgerald and Phoenix are a little more polished now.
He's a trusted figure in business, charitable and political circles. He delivered a eulogy at former U.S. Sen. John McCain's funeral, he's quick to lend a hand to area nonprofits, and his investment group provides financial backing for several local projects including Sam Fox's hotel, The Global Ambassador.
As for Phoenix's transformation, just ask Fitzgerald to sum it up: He pridefully boasted about the arrival of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., ASU's growth and its new real estate program, and the Valley's hosting of mega-events like the NCAA Final Four and Super Bowl.
What they're saying:"It just makes me really grateful to be a part of a community that I think truly is on the rise," Fitzgerald told us.
The bottom line: When we asked if he plans to be an Arizonan for life, he said, "I hope so. If it was up to me, I would be."
We all hope so, Larry.
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New York Times
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