Wild Larry Fitzgerald butterfly effect on field at Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Game

While the Arizona Cardinals are sorting through training camp battles, they were able to dodge what could have been a defense-damaging injury. But Thursday’s Hall of Fame game presented a wild Larry Fitzgerald butterfly effect on the field, according to a post on X by Mark Dalton.

“Tonight’s HOF game referee is veteran Craig Wrolstad. As rookie (field judge) in 2003 had forceout call on Josh McCown to Nate Poole TD on final play of reg season that put MIN out of playoffs & GB in. Also took AZs 2004 1st Rd pick from 1 to 3 & became … ’26 HOFer @LarryFitzgerald.”

The first pick that season went to the Chargers. They selected Eli Manning, but traded him to the Giants for Philip Rivers, the No. 4 overall pick, and other draft capital. The Raiders picked offensive tackle Robert Gallery with the No. 2 selection.

Cardinals ex-WR Larry Fitzgerald started strong and didn’t let up

In his rookie season, Fitzgerald scored eight touchdowns. Over the next five years, he reached double digits in touchdowns four times. Included in the mix were NFL league-leading totals of 12 and 13 in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Fitzgerald went on to record 11 Pro Bowl honors in his 17-year career. All of those seasons were with the Cardinals.

Fitzgerald said he doesn’t consider himself retired, according to ESPN.

“I remember them talking about retirement killing more people in our country than anything,” Fitzgerald said. “And so that always stuck with me. And so, I just don’t believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete.

“Retired? What do you mean retired? 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.”

Despite his loyalty to the Cardinals, he said he considered moving on to a different organization at one point.

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

The post Wild Larry Fitzgerald butterfly effect on field at Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.