The Minnesota sports community is mourning the loss of a veteran sports reporter and the father of a Hall of Fame wide receiver. Larry Fitzgerald Sr, the father of longtime Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald Jr, passed away at the age of 71, according to a social media post by his son, Marcus.
'It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr,' the post began. '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. He left us peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and the people who loved him most.'
The elder Fitzgerald was a longtime reporter on radio and in print in the Minnesota sports scene. He began his career on the radio in Minneapolis in 1978. He also served as the sports editor and a columnist for the Black-owned Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for over 45 years.
Fitzgerald Sr was a regular presence in NFL press boxes wherever his son played throughout his 17-year career. In a statement, the Minnesota Vikings said: 'The Vikings organization is saddened by the passing of Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years. Larry built relationships with players, coaches and staff members for each of the local teams and was recognized across the NFL, covering dozens of Super Bowls and other major events. Beyond his reputation in the media, Larry was a dedicated father and a community leader who cared deeply about the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.'
The Arizona Cardinals also released a statement: 'Our deepest condolences to Larry Fitzgerald and his family on the passing of Larry Sr., who spent so much time around the Cardinals and press boxes across the NFL. Our hearts go out to all of you during this incredibly difficult time.'
Like his son, Fitzgerald Sr played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, and Prairie View A&M University.
