‘This is the Time To Be Great’: How a Father’s Belief Built a Son’s Unshakable Legacy

It was January 2009 and the Arizona Cardinals were preparing to face the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte for an NFC Divisional Playoff Showdown. A victory would send the winner to the NFC Championship for a chance at a Super Bowl appearance. In the press box at Bank of America Stadium, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. stood quietly looking down on the field as players went through pregame warmups. His eyes were trained on his son, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., then a fifth-year wide receiver blossoming for the Cardinals following an electric college career at the University of Pittsburgh.When a fellow reporter asked if his son was ready for his big moment, the elder Fitzgerald offered a response that proved prophetic: “He said he wants to be great. This is the time to be great.”That night, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. delivered an epic performance, catching eight passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, igniting the Cardinals run to the Super Bowl where Arizona lost to Pittsburgh. Over a remarkable 17-year NFL career, Junior didn’t just become great, he became one of the greatest players in NFL history. That achievement was to be recognized on Saturday in Canton, Ohio, when he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.The plan was for Larry Fitzgerald Sr. to enjoy the coveted honor of introducing his son before his Hall of Fame acceptance speech and apply the Gold Jacket that will be part of his wardrobe forever. Instead, the proud father will be looking down from above after passing away last June due to a series of health complications. He was 71.There’s sure to be plenty of emotional speeches at the ceremony. Mr. Fitzgerald, who finished his career second all-time with 17,492 receiving yards and set Arizona franchise records for catches (1,432) and touchdowns (31), will be inducted into the Class of 2026 along with quarterback Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri, linebacker Luke Kuechly and running back Roger Craig. Each has their own personal journey.But losing the biggest influence in your life weeks before the biggest moment in your life offers a mixture of profound personal grief and the ultimate personal accomplishment.“There’s no journey without him, the sacrifices that he made, every door he opened, I know he’s here with me,” Junior told reporters in Canton. “I can feel his presence. It’s still very emotional, but I’m so happy I had a father that great for 42 years.”The elder Fitzgerald liked to remind everyone that he was “The Original Larry Fitzgerald,” though just about everyone in the NFL and in sports journalism knew that. Long before his son caught a pass in the NFL, Senior wrote for The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, a prominent African American newspaper. He then embarked on a distinguished career on the airwaves as a reporter for various area radio stations, offering an informed voice on issues beyond Xs and Os.He was a fixture at all major sporting events, including the NBA Finals, NCAA Final Fours, Olympic Games, World Series and Super Bowls, and carried himself in a dignified and professional manner. He shared his wisdom without being intrusive, and encouraged young journalists to be fearless.“He had an impact on African-Americans covering the games and their access,” Chris Carter, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, told USA Today. “That was one of his biggest contributions, making sure our community had a voice.”When he recognized his son had talent, Senior connected him with those who would be instrumental in his career. Junior became a ballboy for the Minnesota Vikings at the request of head coach Dennis Green.By the time he went to Pitt, Junior had befriended and studied Vikings stars like Mr. Carter and Hall of Famers John Randall, Warren Moon, Randall McDaniel, and Randy Moss. He also siphoned knowledge from other NFL players he was exposed to like Barry Sanders, and Michael Irvin.“It gave me on the job training for something I really want to do at a young age,” Junior told reporters in Canton. “It was a good chance to model yourself after some of the greatest players in the world. To be able to learn from them was great for me.” He even borrowed Mr. Moss’s car to take to his prom. “I was the talk of the town,” he said. “He made me the Mayor for the day.”Mr. Moss was to step in to introduce Larry Fitzgerald Jr. on Saturday, culminating his journey from ball boy to Hall of Fame inductee. Mr. Moss will mention how Junior is beloved in Arizona, and earned the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2016 for his commitment to philanthropy and community. No doubt, Senior will be prominent in Junior’s speech. So will his mother Carol, who passed away in 2003.“My father was a man of strength, love and encouragement,” the new Hall of Famer said. “He opened countless doors for me and my brother. He believed in us and pushed us to pursue every opportunity with conviction; he was the rock of our family. He taught us that perseverance, hard work and unwavering commitment are the foundations of a meaningful life and personal success. I will carry his love, words and wisdom with me always.”The lessons of Larry Fitzgeral Sr. are being passed on to the next generation. Delvin Fitzgerald, Junior’s son, is entering his first season as a wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.An earlier version of this article misstated the day of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is Saturday.

‘This is the Time To Be Great’: How a Father’s Belief Built a Son’s Unshakable Legacy

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