Larry Fitzgerald Sr, the father of longtime Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald Jr, died from multiple health issues earlier this month, according to a report.
Fitzgerald Sr, a beloved veteran Minnesota sports reporter and father of the Hall of Fame wide receiver, passed away on June 1 – just nine days before his 72nd birthday.
It has now emerged that the elder Fitzgerald was reportedly suffering with multiple issues, including severe sepsis, at the time of his death.
A urinary tract infection and prostate cancer were also listed as factors that contributed to his passing, according to a copy of his death certificate obtained by The California Post.
In addition, end stage renal disease was reportedly also listed as another contributing condition. The manner of death was ruled natural.
Fitzgerald Sr, a sports journalist who once covered his son’s appearance at Super Bowl XLIII, died earlier this month at hospital in Minnesota.
The cause of death of Larry Fitzgerald Sr, the father of Larry Fitzgerald Jr, has been revealed
The pioneering Minnesota sports writer died earlier this month at the age of 71
His son, Fitzgerald Jr’s brother Marcus, shared the news of his passing in a social media post, announcing that Fitzgerald Sr ‘left us peacefully.’
‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr,’ the post began.
‘A devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community, he spent his life pouring into the people and the city he loved so much.
‘He left us peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and the people who loved him most.’
The elder Fitzgerald was a longtime reporter on radio and in print in the Minnesota sports scene.
He began his career on the radio in Minneapolis in 1978. He would also go on to serve as the sports editor and as a columnist for the Black owned-and-operated Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for over 45 years.
Fitzgerald Sr was also a regular presence in whichever NFL press box his son was playing in throughout his career.
Like his son, Fitzgerald Sr also played football in college – suiting up for Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, and Prairie View College (now Prairie View A&M University).
Fitzgerald Sr is the father of former Arizona Cardinals receiver and Hall of Famer Larry Jr
Fitzgerald Sr followed his son’s career around the NFL for the 17 years he played
Following his death, multiple NFL organizations paid tribute to the sportswriting great on social media.
In a statement, the Minnesota Vikings – the team Larry Jr was a ball boy for as a teenager – said, ‘The Vikings organization is saddened by the passing of Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years.’
‘Larry built relationships with players, coaches and staff members for each of the local teams and was recognized across the NFL, covering dozens of Super Bowls and other major events.
‘Beyond his reputation in the media, Larry was a dedicated father and a community leader who cared deeply about the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Our hearts are with Larry Jr., Marcus and the entire Fitzgerald family, as well as Larry’s friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss.’
While he did not cover the team extensively, the Arizona Cardinals also released a statement – reflective of Fitzgerald Jr’s 17-year career spent entirely with the franchise.
‘Our deepest condolences to Larry Fitzgerald and his family on the passing of Larry Sr., who spent so much time around the Cardinals and press boxes across the NFL. Our hearts go out to all of you during this incredibly difficult time,’ the Cardinals posted.
