Larry Fitzgerald Jr. understands the selection process is out of his control, so he’d rather not think about it.
The former Arizona Cardinals star nonetheless is expected to be a first ballot inductee when he becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026. The 11-time Pro Bowler, who is second all-time in career receiving yards, must wait patiently to receive his gold jacket. In the meantime, he’s getting recognized for his All-American career at the University of Pittsburgh. Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last week.
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The receiver turned venture investor joined Business Beyond the Game to discuss the evolving name, image and likeness era and how he believes athletes should consider other factors beyond financials when making their college decision. That’s coming from experience as he helps his son, Devin, a wide receiver in the 2026 class, navigate his post-high school plans. A Minneapolis native and former Vikings ball boy, Fitzgerald also spoke on the show about how he made his transition from NFL star to entrepreneur and the challenges that come with the sudden career pivot.
Fitzgerald played 17 seasons in the NFL, all with the Cardinals, before retiring after the 2020 campaign. Through his investment arm, Larry Fitzgerald Enterprises, he has invested in more than 40 companies including sports-related properties like cricket team Rajasthan Royals (Indian Premier League), pickleball team AZ Drive (Major League Pickleball) and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns (though he has divested since the ownership change last year). He also sits on the board of directors for several companies including Dick’s Sporting Goods, while helping the next generation of athletes with financial literacy via his partnership with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment.
For more episodes of Business Beyond the Game, check out Sportico’s YouTube page.
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