Full Breakdown
Larry Fitzgerald Sr., Minnesota Sportswriter and Father of Hall of Famer, Dies at 71
6/2/2026, 10:05:39 PM
The Passing of a Minnesota Sports Legend
Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a Minnesota sportswriter and broadcaster, died on Monday, June 1, 2024, at age 71. His family said he passed “surrounded by his family and loved ones.” The death occurred in Tempe, Arizona, while he was receiving care at the University of Minnesota Fairview Southdale Hospital.
Career Overview and Community Contributions
Fitzgerald Sr. began broadcasting in Minneapolis in 1978, hosting KMOJ shows *Higher Ground* and *Sports Beat*. He was sports editor and columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for 45 years, covering dozens of Super Bowls. He played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College, and Prairie View A&M. After his wife Carol died of breast cancer in 2003, he founded the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund for breast cancer and HIV research.
Family Legacy and Personal Impact
Fitzgerald Sr. was the father of Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and brother Marcus R. Fitzgerald. Larry Jr. called his father “a man of strength, love and encouragement” who opened doors for his sons. Marcus described him as a “devoted father, husband, grandfather, and true pioneer in Minnesota broadcasting.” Their tributes underscore his impact on family and the Minnesota sports community.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1978 – Begins radio career in Minneapolis.
- ~1979–2024 – Serves as sports editor/columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (45 years).
- June 1, 2024 – Passes away at age 71 in Tempe, Arizona.
- August 8, 2024 – Son Larry Fitzgerald Jr. slated for Hall of Fame induction.
Official Statements & Responses
The Minnesota Vikings praised Fitzgerald Sr. for his decades-long contributions to sports journalism and his deep ties to the Minneapolis-St. Paul community. The Arizona Cardinals expressed deepest condolences and noted his frequent presence in NFL press boxes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr.” — Marcus Fitzgerald
- “ My father was a man of strength, love and encouragement.” — Larry Fitzgerald Jr.
- “We are so grateful for the incredible care and kindness shown by the team at the University of Minnesota Fairview Southdale Hospital during this time,” — Marcus Fitzgerald
- “distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports.” — Minnesota Vikings statement
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the date, location, and age of death, but none specify a cause of death.
What’s Next
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8, 2024; the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund will continue its breast cancer and HIV research fundraising.
