Full Breakdown
Larry Fitzgerald to Have No. 11 Retired and Join Cardinals Ring of Honor on Oct. 25
8/11/2026, 11:09:19 AM
Core Event: Jersey Retirement and Ring of Honor Induction
The Arizona Cardinals announced that wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will have his No. 11 jersey retired and will be inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor during halftime of the Week 7 home game against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 25, 2026. The ceremony will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and marks the sixth number retirement in team history.
Background & Context
Earlier this month, Fitzgerald was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. He spent his entire 17-year NFL career (2004-2020) with the Cardinals, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and games played. The Cardinals have previously retired five numbers: 8 (Larry Wilson), 40 (Pat Tillman), 77 (Stan Mauldin), 88 (J.V. Cain) and 99 (Marshall Goldberg). Fitzgerald will become the sixth player to receive that honor and the 20th member of the Ring of Honor.
Data & Statistics
- Receptions: 1,432 (second-most in NFL history)
- Receiving yards: 17,492 (second-most in NFL history)
- Touchdown receptions: 121 (sixth-most in NFL history)
- Pro Bowl selections: 11
- Games played: 263 (franchise record)
- Career span: 17 seasons, all with Arizona
- Additional accolades: Two-time NFL leader in single-season receptions and touchdowns; member of the All-2010s Team; shared the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Official Statements & Responses
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said the honor reflects both Fitzgerald’s on-field excellence and his off-field contributions to the community. He emphasized that no other player in Cardinals history is more deserving of the combined jersey retirement and Ring of Honor induction.
The organization framed the ceremony as part of “Legends Weekend,” offering fans a high-profile halftime celebration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The thing I remember most about his presence here is not just how he practiced on the practice field but the way he took his profession so seriously. He is a pro's pro,” — Michael Bidwill
- “I still have the same feeling I had when I ran out there going to play at Sun Devil Stadium," Fitzgerald said before Week 1 in his last season.” — Larry Fitzgerald
Why It Matters
Retiring Fitzgerald’s number solidifies his status as the most accomplished player in Cardinals history and provides a focal point for fan engagement during a season in which the team faces low expectations. The dual honor also highlights the franchise’s tradition of recognizing players who excel both on the field and in community service, reinforcing the organization’s brand identity in Arizona.
What’s Next
The halftime ceremony on Oct. 25 will feature Fitzgerald’s induction into the Ring of Honor, the unveiling of his retired jersey, and related fan events. The game against the Denver Broncos will be part of the NFL’s Legends Weekend schedule, promising heightened media coverage and a celebratory atmosphere for Cardinals supporters.
