Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a decorated sportswriter and the father of former wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., died on Monday at age 71.
Fitzgerald Jr.'s younger brother, Marcus Fitzgerald, first announced the news on social media.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr," Marcus Fitzgerald wrote. "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."
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. commended his father as "a man of strength, love and encouragement" in a tribute post.
"He opened countless doors for me and my brother," Fitzgerald Jr. wrote. "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."
NFL world reacts to Fitzgerald Sr.'s passing
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Fitzgerald Sr. spent more than 45 years as a sports editor and columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He covered his son's Super Bowl appearance in 2009.
"His relationship with the community was unsurpassed by any other journalist because he was a strong voice. … I think he was kind of like our community sports authority," Spokesman-Recorder CEO and publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard told The Athletic's Matt Moret. ” … He’ll be greatly missed in the sports world and just in the community in general."
The Minnesota Vikingsmourned the loss of a local media mainstay who began his career at the KMOJ-FM radio station in 1978.
"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 Vikings said. "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."
The Arizona Cardinals, where Fitzgerald Jr. played his entire 17-season Hall of Fame career, also shared a statement.
"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."
