Larry Fitzgerald
An Arizona Cardinals wide receiver who redefined grace and consistency at his position, setting records with his magical hands and quiet determination.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American football player·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Larry Fitzgerald's NFL story is one of sustained brilliance and profound loyalty. Drafted third overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004, he spent his entire 17-season career with the franchise, becoming the emotional and statistical heart of the team. Fitzgerald was not defined by sheer speed but by an almost supernatural ability to control the football, making contested catches look routine with his large, sure hands and impeccable body control. His 2008 postseason run was mythical, propelling the Cardinals to a near-Super Bowl victory. Off the field, his philanthropy and global travels became as much a part of his identity as his football prowess, crafting a legacy that transcends the sport.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Larry was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Larry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Larry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the NFL record for most career receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492) with a single franchise (Arizona Cardinals).
- Led the NFL in receptions twice (2005, 2016) and in receiving touchdowns twice (2008, 2009).
- His 1,432 career receptions rank second all-time in NFL history.
- Named to the Pro Bowl 11 times and was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2008.
Did You Know?
He worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings as a teenager, where he met wide receiver Cris Carter.
Fitzgerald is a world traveler who has visited over 100 countries, often in the NFL offseason.
He is a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns NBA franchise.
He caught at least one pass in 255 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
““If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.””
