Larry Fitzgerald confirms surprise career decision ahead of Hall of Fame induction

Arizona Cardinals legend and all-time great NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hasn't played in a meaningful game since the 2020 season, and he will officially be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. 

However, Fitzgerald wants it known that he still hasn't technically called time on his playing career.

Larry Fitzgerald has "not committed to retirement" from NFL?

"I have not committed to retirement," Fitzgerald told Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website during a Thursday news conference. 

Fitzgerald, who will turn 43 years old on the final day of August, recorded 54 receptions for 409 yards and one touchdown across 13 games during what became his final season. Back in the winter of 2022, he admitted that he sometimes experienced moments that left him wishing he "could be there and participating with" active players. On Thursday, Fitzgerald shared how a conversation between his grandfather and a longtime friend has impacted his decision not to officially retire as an active player. 

"They'd talk about retirement killing more people in our country than anything," Fitzgerald explained. "It always stuck with me. I just don't believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete. I was done at 38. Retire? There is no retirement in sight. I protest the word more than the actual thing. So I just won't acknowledge that."

Specifically, Fitzgerald has worked as an NFL analyst for outlets such as SiriusXM and ESPN since 2021. According to his website, Fitzgerald's "robust portfolio includes investments in over 200 companies in cybersecurity, AI, sports, restaurants, hotels, technology, real estate, fintech, enterprise software, and more." 

Did Larry Fitzgerald ever consider playing for a team other than the Cardinals? 

Fitzgerald featured only for the Cardinals from the 2004 draft through the 2020 season, but he had an opportunity to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2021 campaign. Per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, Fitzgerald confirmed on Thursday that he considered leaving the Cardinals during his career. 

"I would be lying to you if it didn't cross my mind, I didn't think about it, maybe even had conversations about it, but never seriously tried to put it in motion," Fitzgerald said about possibly playing for a different club. "I loved where I was at. And quite frankly, I don't know if it would've meant the same for me if I went to somewhere where it was already some super team."