Minnesota Sports Community Mourns Loss of Trailblazing Journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr.
The vibrant sports scene in Minnesota is currently united in grief, grappling with the passing of a respected veteran sports reporter and the proud father of a future Hall of Fame wide receiver. Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the father of former Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald Jr., has died at the age of 71. The somber news was shared by his son, Marcus, via a heartfelt social media post that has resonated deeply within the community.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr.,” the announcement began, painting a poignant picture of a life dedicated to family and profession. “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.”
Fitzgerald Sr. was a fixture in Minnesota’s sports landscape for decades, leaving an indelible mark on both radio and print journalism. His career commenced in Minneapolis in 1978, where he began making his voice heard on the airwaves. His dedication and passion for sports reporting soon saw him ascend to prominent roles, including serving as the sports editor and a beloved columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. For an impressive span of over 45 years, he was a consistent and trusted voice for this Black-owned and operated publication, chronicling the triumphs and tribulations of local and national sports.
Beyond his extensive work in the media, Fitzgerald Sr. was a familiar and welcome presence in NFL press boxes across the country, particularly wherever his son, Larry Jr., was competing. This unique dual role – as a dedicated father and a professional journalist – created a special bond and an intimate understanding of the professional sports world.
The Minnesota Vikings, a team for which Larry Jr. served as a ball boy during his teenage years, issued a statement acknowledging the profound impact Fitzgerald Sr. had on the local sports ecosystem. “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,” the statement read. “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.”
The Arizona Cardinals, the franchise that benefited from Larry Jr.’s remarkable 17-year career, also extended their heartfelt condolences. “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 team shared in their tribute.
Like his celebrated son, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. also had a passion for football in his younger years. He played college football, suiting up for Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, and Prairie View College, which is now known as Prairie View A&M University. This athletic background undoubtedly provided him with a unique perspective and a deeper appreciation for the sports he would go on to cover with such dedication and insight. His legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements; it is woven into the fabric of Minnesota’s sports history and the lives of those he touched.
