Trending Now - Renowned Sports Journalist and Hall of Famer's Father Passes Away at 71
WHO:
vikings.com - Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. was the father of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
Daily Mail Sports - The deceased was a veteran sports reporter and the father of a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver.
Newsweek - The deceased was a longtime sports reporter and the father of a former NFL star wide receiver.
WHAT:
vikings.com - Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. was the first American journalist to cover his child's performance in a Super Bowl, specifically Super Bowl XLIII, where his son had seven receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
vikings.com - Fitzgerald, Sr. famously stated before the Super Bowl, "I've come too far to suddenly show up in the press box with pompoms," highlighting his commitment to professionalism in journalism.
vikings.com - Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. passed away on a Monday at the age of 71, just two months before his son is set to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
vikings.com - Fitzgerald, Sr. covered 40 Super Bowls during his career.
Daily Mail Sports - The veteran sports reporter passed away at the age of 71 after 45 years in the press box.
Newsweek - The longtime sports reporter died at 71 years old.
WHERE:
Daily Mail Sports - The Minnesota sports community is mourning the loss.
WHEN:
Newsweek - The death occurred this week.
WHY:
vikings.com - The Fitzgerald family described Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. as "a loving, proud father who was unafraid to speak up" regarding his son's potential in the NFL.
vikings.com - The Fitzgerald family described him as "a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community."
Daily Mail Sports - The article implies a significant impact on the sports community due to the reporter's long career.
HOW:
vikings.com - Fitzgerald, Sr. began his career in 1978 on KMOJ-FM and worked with The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder from the early 1980s until 2021.
Daily Mail Sports - The reporter had a career spanning 45 years in the press box.
(UPDATED June 3, 2026 04:24 UTC)
Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. made history as the first American journalist to cover his child's performance in a Super Bowl, specifically Super Bowl XLIII, where his son achieved seven receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Before the game, Fitzgerald, Sr. famously remarked, "I've come too far to suddenly show up in the press box with pompoms," showcasing his dedication to professionalism in journalism. The Fitzgerald family remembers him as "a loving, proud father who was unafraid to speak up" about his son's potential in the NFL.
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(UPDATED June 2, 2026 18:22 UTC)
Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., the father of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., has passed away at the age of 71, just two months before his son is set to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Throughout his impressive career, Fitzgerald, Sr. covered 40 Super Bowls and began his journey in broadcasting in 1978 on KMOJ-FM, later working with The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder until 2021. The Fitzgerald family remembers him as "a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community."
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(UPDATED June 2, 2026 06:30 UTC)
The Minnesota sports community is mourning the loss of a veteran sports reporter who passed away this week at the age of 71 after an impressive 45-year career in the press box. He was also the father of a former NFL star wide receiver, highlighting his deep ties to the world of sports. His death has left a significant impact on those who knew him and the many fans who appreciated his contributions to sports journalism.