Larry Fitzgerald talks retirement, admits he’s researching how career will end
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSArizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald says their won’t be tears when he retires | 1:22
Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald says their won’t be tears when he retires. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSazcentral sports Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman wrap-up Day 2 at Arizona Cardinals training cam | 2:17
azcentral sports Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman wrap-up Day 2 at Arizona Cardinals training camp. By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMoore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp | 2:26
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Bob McManaman on the first day of Arizona Cardinals training camp. || By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals quarterback Carson Palmer on the first day of training camp | 1:14
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer on the first day of training camp. || By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals coach Bruce Arians to fringe players: Stay available | 1:26
Bruce Arians started his Day 1 camp press conference sending a message to fringe roster candidates who aren’t in camp. Sam Caravana/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSazcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman reporting day at Arizona Cardinals training camp | 2:47
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman reporting day at Arizona Cardinals training camp in Glendale. By Rob Schumacher/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDavid Johnson’s work load; D-Backs’ head games | 2:01
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach weigh in on pressing issues with the Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Cards kick off fan-friendly camp | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Jay Dieffenbach discuss Cardinals camp, Tyrann Mathieu’s status and more in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Is Bruce Arians leaving the Cardinals? | 1:54
Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach, discuss Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians possible departure next season. James Harden plays like old man but you won’t see decline. azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers sits down with Cardinals rookie Budda Baker | 1:39
Kent Somers of azcentral sports sits down to talk with new Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker at the team’s Tempe training facility. Baker played college ball at the University of Washington. | Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers: Impressions from Cardinals minicamp | 1:43
azcentral sports; Kent Somers discusses what we learned from the Cardinals minicamp.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers recaps Cardinals minicamp Wednesday | 1:38
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers breaks down the Cardinals second day of minicamp on June 7, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers recaps Cardinals practice | 2:13
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers wraps up the Arizona Cardinals’ first day on minicamp on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals? | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss Blaine Gabbert’s role with the Cardinals and LeBron James’ performance in the NBA finals.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers, Bob McManaman talk another week of Arizona Cardinals OTAs | 2:33
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discusses another week of the Cardinals’ OTAs. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBob McManaman after Cardinals practice Tuesday, May 30 | 2:24
Bob McManaman of azcentral sports wraps up the Arizona Cardinals practice at their Tempe facility, Tuesday, May 30, 2017..
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent and Bob talk new NFL rules and wide out depth | 2:07
Azcentral’s Kent Somers and Bob McManaman catch up during second week of OTAs at the Cardinals Training Facility. azcentral.com sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSArians Family Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf | 1:44
Coaches and players talk about the importance of head coach Bruce Arians’ family fundraiser at Top Golf in Gilbert. (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSReport card on Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert | 0:58
How has free-agent QB Blaine Gabbert adjusted so far to the Arizona Cardinals? (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWatch out for Dodgers; Cards CBs apply for job | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the NBA MVP, the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers and the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backs.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhat Deone Bucannon’s injury means for Cardinals | 2:24
azcentral sports insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman react to the big news from the first day of Cardinals OTAs. Video: Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDavid Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list | 1:11
The NFLPA has released its 2017 Rising 50 list of players poised to break out and rank among next season’s top-sellers in officially licensed merchandise and the Cardinals running back is No. 1.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNo throws for Cards QB, cheap shot in NBA? | 1:55
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss the latest on Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Palmer and the NBA playoffs.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKaepernick blackballed? Greinke now trade bait? | 1:59
Shot Clock: Colin Kaepernick is better than Blaine Gabbert, right? So why did the Cardinals not sign him? Also, Zack Greinke has his Randy Johnson moment … what does it mean for Diamondbacks?
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks Cardinals rookies | 1:48
With camp starting tomorrow, players reported today and reporter Kent Somers lays out the future and what the team hopes for it.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks Daryl Washington departure | 1:16
Cardinals insider Kent Somers gives some insight into the releasing of Daryl Washington and why it was probably best for both team and player.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals release linebacker Daryl Washington: Somers and Bickley discuss | 2:26
azcentral’s Kent Somers and Dan Bickley talk about the Cardinals decision to release linebacker Daryl Washington.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Gabbert a terrible fit for Cards | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Bob McManaman weigh in on the Cardinals’ signing of Blaine Gabbert.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers sits down with Arians on Cardinals’ offseason | 2:44
Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians about mini-camp, his excitement about undrafted rookies, LB Daryl Washington and QB Blaine Gabbert at Steak 44 on Wednesday. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers | 2:36
Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians about Arians’ annual fundraiser at Steak 44 on Wednesday. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSJim Hart to be inducted into Cardinals Ring of Honor | 0:40
The Arizona Cardinals announced Thursday that former St. Louis Cardinals QB Jim Hart would be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor this season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Cards picks make instant impact? | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss what to expect from the Cardinals’ 2017 NFL draft class.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Tap brakes on Haason Reddick pick? | 1:54
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley assess the Arizona Cardinals’ selection of Haason Reddick in Round 1 of the NFL draft and discuss the needs the team still has to address.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSights and sounds from Cardinals draft party | 2:50
Check out how Cardinals fans were feeling during the team’s 2017 NFL draft party.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers talks Reddick and possible 2nd and 3rd round picks | 1:33
Cardinals insider Kent Somers reacts to the introductory press conference for Haason Reddick and what the Cardinals might do next.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers and Bob McManaman talk Cardinals draft of Haason Reddick | 2:40
With plenty of defense options on the table and all the quarterbacks gone, the Cardinals elected to go linebacker and Kent and Bob break down the reasons why. Patrick Breen/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals’ top first round NFL draft picks since 2000 | 1:09
The Cardinals have made 18 picks in the first round of the NFL draft since 2000. Take a look at the standouts. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCan Cardinals afford to be patient with another first-round pick? | 0:55
With the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, can the Cardinals afford to repeat their strategy with their last two first-round picks?
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCards face choices with draft, Daryl Washington | 1:52
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers have the latest on the Cardinals draft and the reinstatement of Daryl Washington.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhat to know about the Cardinals’ draft party | 0:57
The Cardinals are hosting draft parties Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the Great Lawn outside of University of Phoenix Stadium.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Cardinals trade up for QB? | 1:47
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Jay Dieffenbach discuss possible Cardinals strategy in the NFL draft, views on picking a quarterback and more.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTop 5 special teams players of 2017 NFL draft | 0:41
Bob McManaman ranks the top special teams players in the upcoming draft.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKeim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round | 0:59
Arizona Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians have found some of their best players in the third round. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald, Chandler Jones talk about Celebrity Softball Game | 0:54
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Chandler Jones discuss the importance of giving back and some bets amongst Cardinals players before the Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday at Salt River Fields. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals looking for ‘football character’ in NFL draft | 1:04
Cardinals GM Steve Keim has a tough task when it comes to finding quality talent and character to add to the team through the draft. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks with Cardinals DT Frostee Rucker | 1:43
azcentral sports Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Fostee Rucker. || Video by Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals DT Frostee Rucker on expectations, adding Karlos Dansby | 1:23
Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker discusses learning from last year’s expectations and adding Karlos Dansby and other veterans. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTop 3 games in Cardinals schedule | 1:06
Breaking down the top three games of the Cardinals’ 2017 season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCards playing dangerous game with RB Johnson? | 1:59
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss the Cardinals’ potential use (or overuse?) of running back David Johnson.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: New face of Cardinals franchise? | 1:53
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Carmelo, a dancer, and the Cards’ quiet, classy young superstar.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald holding 7th annual charity softball tournament | 3:17
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald discuss Fitzgerald’s charity softball tournament on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 with Kent Somers | 5:24
The Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald joined azcentral sports’ Kent Somers to discuss the team and the upcoming season.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNFL meetings in Phoenix: On Bruce Arians, new rules, the draft | 3:35
Bob McManaman and Kent Somers at the NFL owners meetings on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Bruce Arianas likes full-time officials, centralized replay and says there’s 1 QB in upcoming draft who’s plug-and-play. Video: Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNFC coaches take questions at NFL owners meeting | 2:14
Coaches of the National Football Conference take questions from the media in Phoenix on March 29, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks with Bruce Arians at NFC coaches breakfast | 2:44
Cardinals insider Kent Somers and other reporters talk with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians at the NFC coaches breakfast on Wednesday at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. Video by Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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Larry Fitzgerald wouldn’t say that the upcoming 2017 NFL season will be his last, but judging from his remarks on Sunday about wanting to walk away while still at the top of his game, it sure sounded and felt like this could be it for the Arizona Cardinals’ star wide receiver.
During a 13-minute interview at University of Phoenix Stadium, the future Hall of Famer spent most of his time talking about possible retirement, how he eventually will do it and with whom he’s counseled about when to ultimately make that final decision.
One thing is certain, the 14-year veteran and record-holder of every receiving statistic imaginable in Cardinals’ history doesn’t plan on bowing out awkwardly like some of the other biggest names in professional sports have done.
“The end is never really pretty for elite athletes,” Fitzgerald said. “It never looks good. I mean, you watch Michael Jordan in a Washington Wizards uniform. Or you see Tony Dorsett playing for the Denver Broncos. Or Shaquille O’Neal playing for the Boston Celtics. I mean, it’s weird because you’re used to seeing them when they’re at their most dominant stage.
“But Willie Mays running round with bad knees after 20 years, it’s not pretty. For me, I really want to be able to play and do the things that I love and be able to walk away and still be someone who could play. That’s something I pride myself on. I don’t want to be a stealer. I don’t want to steal like that.”
Asked point blank by azcentral sports if this will be his final season, Fitzgerald said, “I feel good right now. When that changes, I’ll let you know. … But it’ll never be in front of a podium and there will be no tears and none of that stuff. That’s not how it would ever be. That’s not how I am.”
More likely, Fitzgerald will take the Tim Duncan approach like the San Antonio Spurs center did and simply walk away without so much as a statement released by the team, let alone a full-bore news conference.
“I’m just one player out of 1,600 in the National Football League,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a lot bigger than me and it’s never going to be like that.”
If Fitzgerald wants to leave at the top of his game, one last season seems appropriate. He led the NFL a year ago in total receptions (107) at age 33 and enjoyed the eighth 1,000-yard season (1,023) of his career. As Carson Palmer’s primary target once again this year, Fitzgerald should be able to at least get close to those numbers in 2017, if he remains healthy.
“Once you have 80 (receptions) in a season, you’ve had a pretty good season,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. “Once you get to 100, special things happen.”
Given his experience, his hand-eye coordination and ability to come up big in the clutch, one could argue Fitzgerald would still be a key contributor even at 80 percent of his physical best. Playing primarily as a slot receiver anyway, surely he could continue to play an important role.
But if it’s not the most important role, Fitzgerald doesn’t want any part of it.
“Mentally, I would struggle with that,” he said. “It was a struggle even when you still feel like you can do things and you’re not a Number 1 option. That would be a struggle for me.”
To gauge his readiness for impending retirement, Fitzgerald spent the offseason doing what he has for the past few years and called upon fellow NFL stars, those who are both playing and those who have since retired. He mentioned three directly by name on Sunday – Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, former Colts and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and former Chiefs and Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.
“All the guys I really respect and admire,” Fitzgerald said, noting each person he talked to had their own advice on the subject. “It’s not something where you wake up one morning and say, ‘I’m done.’ It’s something that’s kind of bubbling for a while. I think you just know.”
If Fitzgerald knows, he’s not saying. And if there’s ever going to be an official announcement, it will on his terms and in his own way.
He did say that his decision will not be affected in any way by what Arians or Palmer might do. Both of those men are also being asked frequently about retirement and it’s quite possible still that all three could be gone after this year.
“I don’t really make any decisions based off of anybody else,” Fitzgerald said. “I never have. I don’t know what the future holds. That’s why this year is so much more important, because we don’t have to be thinking about what we’re going to be doing after Feb. 4.
“It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is from today until then and how we can improve and get better and do what we need to do to give ourselves an opportunity just to get into the playoffs and possibly win the division and try to win the NFC Championship and get to the Super Bowl.”
It’s only about winning that elusive Super Bowl ring for Fitzgerald.
“Well, that’s huge,” he said. “That’s the only reason I’m playing at this point.”
Reach McManaman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @azbobbymac and listen to him live every Wednesday night between 7-9 on Fox Sports 910-AM on The Freaks with Kenny and Crash.