Fitzgerald says no out route, he’ll return for 17th season
Larry Fitzgerald didn’t keep the Cardinals waiting for long. One of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history isn’t done yet, returning for his 17th season with the franchise that drafted him in 2004.
After some speculation that the popular 36-year-old Fitzgerald might finally retire, the team announced Wednesday he has signed a one-year contact that will keep him in the desert through 2020.
“This season was among the most fun of my career,” Fitzgerald said in a tweet. “The future is so bright for this team & I relish the opportunity to build with this talented young nucleus.”
“Arizona is where I started and where I will finish. 2020! Let’s get to work!”
Fitzgerald was a key part of the Cardinals offense in his 16th season, leading the team with 75 catches for 804 yards and four TDs. He repeatedly said how much he enjoyed playing with rookie QB Kyler Murray, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and quickly developed into a quality starter. He also was quick to praise first-year coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Now they’ll get a second shot to make the playoffs together.
In 16 seasons with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald is the franchise leader in games played (250), receptions (1,378), receiving yards (17,083), receiving TDs (120), total TDs (120) and 100-yard games (49). His 1,378 career receptions are the most by any player in NFL history with a single team.
He ranks second all time behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (1,549). Fitzgerald’s 17,083 career receiving yards also rank second in NFL history, while his 120 career TD receptions are sixth.
Centennial Hall class: Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his fifth attempt.
Tagliabue and former George Young made it as
Giants GM contributors.
Ex-Cowboys safety Cliff Harris and former Browns receiver Mac Speedie completed the centennial class announced Wednesday. The class of 10 senior candidates, three contributors and two coaches are part of the hall’s celebration of the NFL’s 100th season.
Tagliabue replaced Pete Rozelle as league commissioner in 1989 and served 17 years, during which there was labor peace, expansion to 32 teams and widespread upgrades in stadiums. The NFL’s television revenues under Tagliabue also skyrocketed.
The issue that seemed to keep him from earlier selection to the hall was how the NFL dealt with concussions and head trauma. But, as with all commissioners, Tagliabue was doing the bidding of his bosses, the team owners. He made some unwise comments about the connection between concussions and football for which he later apologized.
Another member of the Steel Curtain, safety Donnie Shell, made it as did fellow safety Bobby Dillon and defensive tackle Alex Karras. Shell is the 10th man from the Steelers dynasty of the 1970s to be elected, and the fifth from the defense that dominated the NFL.
Also, Duke Slater, one of the NFL’s first black players, defensive standout Ed Sprinkle and NFL Films pioneer Steve Sabol were announced. So were wide receiver Harold Carmichael and offensive tackles Winston Hill and Jim Covert.
Over the weekend, the election of Super Bowl-winning coaches Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson as part of the special class celebrating the NFL’s 100th season was revealed. Four more 2020 members are upcoming.
Kittle misses practice: Tight end George Kittle sat out 49ers practice Wednesday with left ankle soreness.
It didn’t appear that the 49ers were too concerned Kittle might miss the NFC championship game against the Packers.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan likely will update Kittle’s condition before Thursday’s practice.