Larry Fitzgerald continues to refuse NFL retirement as Hall of Fame weekend cranks up emotions

Larry Fitzgerald has his gold jacket, but if he had his way he would still be playing.

It’s been five years since Larry Legend laced up his cleats, and on Saturday he will make his Hall of Fame speech at the unveiling of his gold bust in Canton.

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Enshrinement Saturday will cap a weekend to remember for Fitzgerald and his family, having been introduced to the crowd at Thursday’s Hall of Fame game.

He followed that up with his gold jacket ceremony, as fellow Hall of Famer Cris Carter had the honor of putting it on Fitzgerald.

Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinitieri make up the Class of 2026 with Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony sure to trigger plenty of emotion.

As celebrations draw to a close in Ohio, Fitzgerald has been reflecting on a stellar career and despite being aged 42, the third overall pick out of Pittsburgh in 2004 will never say never over a return.

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“Retired? What do you mean retired?” he told the media at the start of the week.

“There’s no retirement in sight. And, so, I don’t know. I protest the word more than the actual thing. So, I just want to acknowledge that.

“I remember them talking about retirement killing more people in our country than anything and so that always stuck with me.

“I just don’t believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete.”

A Week 16 game in December 2020 brought curtain down on Fitzgerald’s 17-season career, all of which took place in the desert.

There may not have been a Super Bowl – they came close to a stellar run in 2008 – but Fitz’s numbers speak to a career that puts him among the very best to have played the position

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His total of 1,432 receptions and 17,492 yards rank second in NFL history – behind only Jerry Rice in both categories, while his 121 total of touchdowns put him sixth on the all-time list.

He claimed the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, has one First-Team All-Pro and two Second Team All-Pro nominations to go with 11 Pro Bowl selections.

That run in 2008 saw them pick off Atlanta, Carolina and Philadelphia on their way to the NFC Championship, before a 27-23 defeat to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII.

And Fitzgerald’s postseason was an all-timer, 546 yards – 30 receptions from 42 targets and seven TDs in just four games.

Although as he reflected on a career he admitted there were times he came close to leaving Arizona, but never quite wanted to get out.

“I would be lying to you if it didn’t cross my mind, I didn’t think about it, maybe even had conversations about it, but never seriously tried to put it in motion,” Fitzgerald said.

“I loved where I was at. And quite frankly, I don’t know if it would’ve meant the same for me if I went to somewhere where it was already some super team.”

For now it’s a time to celebrate Fitz, and the fans made their feelings known during the gold jacket ceremony

“He’s the gold standard for hands, but it’s wild he’s doing this without a single ring. The stats are legendary, but the trophy case is empty,” one fan lamented on social media.

While another chose to focus on the highs: “Those hands were pure magic. Fitz belonged in the HOF yesterday. Can’t wait for the ceremony.”

The Cardinals flashed plenty to excite fans in a defeat at the Hall of Fame game, most notably rookie quarterback Carson Beck, but what they’d give for a receiver with Fitzgerald production.

Arizona will hope first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. puts injury concerns and a rough start to his career behind him when the 2026 season gets underway.

In a loaded NFC West, the Cardinals are expected to be cannon fodder for the defending champion Seahawks, and the Super Bowl hopeful San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.