Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the longtime Minnesota sports reporter and father of Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., died June 1 after battling multiple health issues, according to a report.
He was 71 and would have turned 72 nine days later.
A copy of his death certificate obtained by The California Post listed severe sepsis as one of the conditions tied to his death. It also cited a urinary tract infection, prostate cancer and end stage renal disease as contributing factors. His death was ruled natural.
Fitzgerald Sr. died at a hospital in Minnesota. His son Marcus announced the news in a social media post, saying Fitzgerald Sr. “left us peacefully.”
“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.”
Fitzgerald Sr. built a long career across radio and print in Minnesota sports. He started in Minneapolis radio in 1978 and later spent more than 45 years as sports editor and columnist for the Black owned-and-operated Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
He was also a familiar face in NFL press boxes whenever his son was on the field. Fitzgerald Sr. covered Larry Jr.’s appearance at Super Bowl XLIII, one of the many moments that put him close to the game his family knew so well.
The elder Fitzgerald also played football in college, suiting up for Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College in Iowa and Prairie View College, now Prairie View A&M University.
Tributes followed his death from around the NFL. 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.”
They added, “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. Our hearts are with Larry Jr., Marcus and the entire Fitzgerald family, as well as Larry's friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss.”
The Arizona Cardinals also issued a statement, though Fitzgerald Sr. did not cover the team extensively, a note that reflects Fitzgerald Jr.’s 17-year career spent entirely with the franchise.
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