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Veteran Minneapolis Journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Dies at 71

6/2/2026

Summary

Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Dies

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a Minneapolis journalist, died at 71 on Monday.
He began his Minneapolis radio career in 1978, edited the Spokesman-Recorder for 45 years, and played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College (Iowa) and Prairie View College (Texas).
His Super Bowl coverage earned Minnesota Vikings praise, prompting the Arizona Cardinals to mourn his press-box presence.
His sons called him a father, husband, grandfather and community leader.

Summary

Fitzgerald Sr. Fund

Larry Fitzgerald Sr. created the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund after his wife died of breast cancer in 2003.
The fund raises money for breast cancer and HIV research.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.’s Hall of Fame induction is scheduled for August 8, 2026, months after his father’s death.
Fitzgerald Sr. began his NFL career as a Minnesota Vikings ballboy, shaping his later sports-media work.

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Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Dies

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a Minneapolis journalist, died at 71 on Monday.
He began his Minneapolis radio career in 1978, edited the Spokesman-Recorder for 45 years, and played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College (Iowa) and Prairie View College (Texas).
His Super Bowl coverage earned Minnesota Vikings praise, prompting the Arizona Cardinals to mourn his press-box presence.
His sons called him a father, husband, grandfather and community leader.

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