Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald explains why he will never retire

The Arizona Cardinals legend is protesting that word Aug 7, 2026 at 12:55 pm ET • 2 min read Getty Images Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Players have to be retired for five straight seasons to qualify for the Hall of Fame, and while Fitzgerald hasn't played in the NFL since 2020, the wide receiver has never officially retired -- and maybe never will."I have not committed to retirement," Fitzgerald said this week, via the Cardinals' official website. That doesn't mean Fitzgerald is actively pondering a return to the gridiron, but he avoids the word "retirement." When he was a young boy, Fitzgerald's grandfather would talk with his friend about how retirement was deadly. The 42-year-old is done wit