Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the father of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, died on Monday, June 1, in Minnesota, according to a statement from his son Marcus Fitzgerald. He was 71.
Marcus Fitzgerald announced the news on X, describing his father as “a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community.” He said Fitzgerald Sr. died peacefully in the afternoon, surrounded by family and loved ones. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Born and raised in Chicago, Fitzgerald Sr. went on to attend Indian Hills Community College and Indiana State University, where he graduated in 1978. He later built a long career in sports media in the Minneapolis area, working as both a broadcaster and sportswriter. His work made him a well-known figure in the region’s media and sports community.
Beyond his professional career, Fitzgerald Sr. was also remembered for his philanthropic efforts. After his wife, Carol, died of breast cancer in 2003, he established the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund. The fund supported breast cancer and HIV research, reflecting his commitment to causes that were deeply personal to his family.
He is survived by his two sons, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Marcus Fitzgerald. In his message, Marcus thanked the medical staff at the University of Minnesota Fairview Southdale Hospital for their care and kindness during his father’s final days. He also asked for privacy and prayers as the family begins to grieve the loss.
Larry Fitzgerald Sr.’s death marks the loss of a respected voice in Minnesota sports media and a family patriarch whose influence extended beyond broadcasting. He was widely recognized not only for his career, but also for his dedication to family, community, and charitable work.
His death comes as sports fans and the Arizona football community remember the broader Fitzgerald family’s impact on the game and the region. Larry Fitzgerald Jr. remains one of the most celebrated players in Cardinals history and an NFL Hall of Famer, while his father was remembered by those who knew him as a tireless supporter of others and a man deeply invested in the lives around him.
The family has not shared additional details about memorial services or public tributes.
