In a somber press conference held at State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and future Hall of Famer **Larry Fitzgerald Jr.** announced his immediate retirement from the NFL after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The 42-year-old Fitzgerald, visibly emotional but composed, stood alongside his family, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, and head coach Jonathan Gannon as he delivered the devastating news.
> “Football has given me everything—purpose, family, and a legacy I never imagined,” Fitzgerald said, his voice steady but eyes glistening. “But today, I have to step away. I’ve been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive neurological condition. The doctors have been clear: my time is limited.”
Fitzgerald did not disclose the specific diagnosis, citing privacy, but confirmed that symptoms began during the offseason and rapidly worsened, forcing him to withdraw from team activities in recent weeks.
Drafted third overall by the Cardinals in 2004 out of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald spent his entire 20-year career in Arizona, becoming the franchise’s cornerstone and one of the most respected figures in NFL history. His career stats—**1,432 receptions, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns**—place him second all-time in both receiving yards and receptions, behind only Jerry Rice.
He is an 11-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro, and the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Fitzgerald led the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2008, where he nearly orchestrated a comeback against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a legendary performance.
“Larry isn’t just the greatest Cardinal—he’s the standard for what it means to be a professional athlete,” Bidwill said. “This organization, this city, and this league will never be the same without him.”
Fitzgerald’s retirement comes just three games into what was expected to be a ceremonial final season. He had returned in 2025 on a one-year deal, intending to mentor younger receivers and chase one last playoff run.
Instead, his final act will be one of courage.
“I don’t want pity,” Fitzgerald told reporters. “I want gratitude. For the teammates who became brothers. For the fans who cheered through the losses and the rare wins. For a game that taught me how to live—and now, how to leave with dignity.”
The NFL community reacted swiftly.
– **Kyler Murray**: “He taught me how to be a man before he taught me how to run a route. I love you, 11.”
– **J.J. Watt**: “The classiest human I’ve ever shared a locker room with. This hurts.”
– **Commissioner Roger Goodell**: “Larry Fitzgerald represents the very best of our league. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Fitzgerald plans to spend his remaining time with his two sons, his mother Carol, and close friends. He has established the **Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Legacy Fund**, which will support neurological research and youth literacy programs—causes he championed throughout his career.
As the press conference ended, Fitzgerald was helped off the stage by his sons, Devine and Apollo. He paused, turned to the Cardinals logo on the wall, and saluted.
The stadium lights dimmed.
The desert wind carried a quiet that felt eternal.
**Larry Fitzgerald is gone from the field. But his imprint—on Arizona, on football, on humanity—will never fade.**
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