For Larry Fitzgerald, his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction will be extra emotional because his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. won't be with him. Fitzgerald Sr. was a renowned journalist and sports radio host based in Minneapolis known as "The Original." He passed away in June.
The Arizona Cardinals legend appeared on NBC's pregame show for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6 and spoke about his father, who was originally going to be the person to present him in Canton.
"There is no journey without him, the sacrifices that he made, every door he opened," Fitzgerald said as he choked up. "I know he's here with me. I can feel his presence. It's still very emotional, but I'm so happy I had a father that great for 42 years."
"There is no journey
without him."@LarryFitzgerald couldn't be more grateful for his late father and everything he did for him ❤️@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/7z23NHzNp7
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin chimed in with his memorial to Fitzgerald Sr. The two knew each other from back when Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2000s.
"I had the pleasure to get to know him from my time in Minnesota," he said, "and most certainly, he's here with you and most certainly, he's smiling at all of us right now."
Fitzgerald finished his 17-year NFL career second all-time with 17,492 receiving yards. He set Cardinals franchise records for receiving yards, catches (1,432) and touchdowns (31). He was named to 11 Pro Bowls and was the third overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft after starring at Pittsburgh.
Fitzgerald will be inducted as a member of the Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly and Roger Craig on Saturday, Aug. 8.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Larry Fitzgerald gets emotional speaking about father ahead of Hall of Fame induction
