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 the sportswriter’s 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.
Pioneering Minnesota sports writer Larry Fitzgerald Sr has died at the age of 71
Fitzgerald Sr is the father of former Arizona Cardinals receiver and Hall of Famer Larry Jr
Fitzgerald Sr followed his son’s career around the NFL for the 17 years he played
He began his career on the radio in Minneapolis in 1978. He would also go on to serve as the sports editor and as a columnist for the Black owned-and-operated Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for over 45 years.
Fitzgerald Sr was also a regular presence in whichever NFL press box his son was playing in throughout his career.
In a statement, the Minnesota Vikings – the team Larry Jr was a ball boy for as a teenager – 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. 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.’
While he did not cover the team extensively, the Arizona Cardinals also released a statement – reflective of Fitzgerald Jr’s 17-year career spent entirely with the franchise.
‘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,’ the Cardinals posted.
Like his son, Fitzgerald Sr 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).
