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Larry Fitzgerald Reveals Why He Never Officially Retired From the NFL: ‘I Protest the Word’ The Arizona Cardinals legend will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 8 By Anna Lazarus Caplan Anna Lazarus Caplan Anna Lazarus Caplan is a Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 7, 2026 05:24PM EDT 1 Comment Larry Fitzgerald. Credit : Nick Cammett/Getty NEED TO KNOW Larry Fitzgerald is not fond of the word “retirement”The legendary wide receiver shared a story with reporters about his dislike for the notion of stepping back from a careerFitzgerald is a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer Don’t mention the word “retirement” to Larry Fitzgerald. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Aug. 6, the legendary wide receiver — who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 8 — said he has “not committed to retirement,” despite being nearly six years removed from his final NFL game. “Retired? What do you mean ‘retired’?” Fitzgerald, 42, said. “There’s no retirement in sight. And, so, I don’t know. I protest the word more than the actual thing. So, I just want to acknowledge that.” The first-ballot Hall of Famer played 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected as the No. 3 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. An 11-time Pro Bowler, Fitzgerald is second in NFL career receiving yards (17,492), second in career receptions (1,432) and sixth in career receiving touchdowns (121). Related Stories NFL Legend Drew Brees Says He ‘Never Imagined’ Pro Football Hall of Fame Nod: ‘An Incredible Honor’ (Exclusive) Sportswriter Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Dies at 71 as His NFL Hall of Famer Son Shares Touching Tribute Fitzgerald will be inducted in Canton, Ohio, alongside quarterback Drew Brees, linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri and running back Roger Craig in the Class of 2026. Then-Cardinals head coach Dennis Green was a familiar face when Fitzgerald joined the NFL. The Minnesota native used to work as a ball boy in his teenage years at the Vikings’ training camp when the coach led the team, according to ESPN. Larry Fitzgerald. Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Fitzgerald’s appreciation and love of the game grew. From those summertime duties to his three standout years at Pitt, Fitzgerald’s career then blossomed in Arizona, where he became a fan favorite. But a conversation his grandfather once had with a friend was instilled in Fitzgerald regarding the non-necessity of officially stepping back from one’s career. Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now! “I remember them talking about retirement killing more people in our country than anything,” Fitzgerald said. “And so that always stuck with me. And so, I just don’t believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete.” Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now! For Fitzgerald, Saturday’s induction will be bittersweet following the recent loss of his father, sports journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Fitzgerald Sr. died on Monday, June 1 at the age of 71. “My father was a man of strength, love and encouragement,” Fitzgerald wrote on X. “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.” Close Leave a Comment Read More: Entertainment Sports Football