The Arizona Cardinals are giving Larry Fitzgerald the honor fans have been waiting on: No. 11 is headed for retirement.
Fresh off his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past weekend, Fitzgerald will have his number retired on Oct. 25 when the Cardinals face the Denver Broncos.
"No one who has ever worn a Cardinals uniform is more deserving of this honor," said Michael Bidwill in a statement to the team.
Bidwill also praised the way Fitzgerald carried himself throughout his career, saying, "The thing I remember most about his presence here is not just how he practiced on the practice field but the way he took his profession so seriously. He is a pro's pro.
His presence, both setting the tone but also welcoming people and in the locker room being a little bit of a jokester and wanting to engage everyone around him. He contributed so much to this organization and so much to this community.
He means so much to us all."
Fitzgerald spent all 17 of his NFL seasons in Arizona, stacking up Pro Bowls and NFL records along the way. His Hall of Fame resume was never in doubt, and now the Cardinals are making official what always felt inevitable.
The team’s No. 11 becomes the sixth jersey retired in franchise history.
For Cardinals fans, Fitzgerald has remained a favorite long after his playing days ended. His jersey still turns up everywhere around the desert, a sign of just how deeply he connected with the fan base.
He made sure to return that appreciation in his Hall of Fame speech.
"I just want to show a little love to my Cardinal fans here in attendance today. To the Cardinal fans back home in Arizona, you guys supported us on and off the field over the years. You showed up at home games and showed up at away games, through wins and losses," he said.
"It's been 22 years and counting Arizona, and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to replenish the well of goodwill I've been lucky enough to drink from."
With the Hall of Fame box checked and his number now on the way to the rafters, the next question practically writes itself: could a statue be next?
Maybe. But that’s a conversation for later. If anyone has earned a place outside State Farm Stadium alongside Pat Tillman, it’s Fitzgerald.
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