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Larry Fitzgerald explains why he will never retire from football

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 4:55 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Larry Fitzgerald explains why he will never retire from football

Summary

Larry Fitzgerald, enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7 in Canton, Ohio, has not officially retired from the NFL. The former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, who last played in 2020, expressed his reluctance to use the term 'retirement,' citing lessons from his grandfather about its negative connotations. Fitzgerald emphasized that he views life after football as a transition into new phases rather than an end, stating, 'I protest the word more than the actual thing.' He remains engaged with the game and anticipates upcoming opportunities in his post-playing career.

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Key Details

•Fitzgerald has not played since 2020 but hasn't declared retirement.
•He will be honored at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony this summer.
•He views retirement as a negative transition rather than a conclusion.
•Fitzgerald ranks second all-time in NFL receiving yards and receptions.
•He plans to stay connected to football in his next life phase.

Latest Updates

9:24 PMYahoo Sports — Larry Fitzgerald Reveals Why He Never Officially Retired From the NFL: ‘I Protest the Word’
4:55 PMCBS NFL — Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald explains why he will never retire

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