From the Vault: Larry Fitzgerald
College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
In only two seasons with the Panthers Larry Fitzgerald became one of the most decorated athletes in Pitt history. On December 10th his outstanding collegiate career earned him a spot as the 25th Pitt man to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. Take a look at some of the best photos and mementos of an all time Pitt great.
Larry came to Pitt from the Valley Forge Military Academy after being a a two-time first-team all-state receiver at Academy of the Holy Angels in Minnesota.
Larry built his reputation for dramatic and acrobatic catches at Pitt, which one Sports Illustrated writer described as "mini-dramas in themselves, air ballets played out in full pads." His 12 touchdown receptions in his freshman year lead the Big East Conference.
In just 26 collegiate games, Fitzgerald totaled 161 catches for 2,677 yards (16.6 avg.) and a Pitt-record 34 touchdowns. He caught a touchdown in an amazing 18 consecutive games to set an NCAA record. In total, Fitzgerald set or tied four NCAA marks, eight Big East records and 11 Pitt marks.
Fitzgerald was the first sophomore to ever be awarded the Walter Camp Player of the Year award which is “bestowed on a worthy individual who has distinguished himself in the pursuit of excellence as an athlete, in his personal career and in doing good works for others.”
Fitzgerald also received the prestigious Biletnikoff for 2003, awarded to the nation's top reciever.
Despite finishing as the runner up in 2003 Heisman voting Fitzgerald managed to carry three different voting districts, an unprecedented feat for a sophomore and the best finish for a receiver in over a decade. Below are promotional materials produced by Pitt to support Fitzgerald’s Heisman campaign.
After declaring for the draft Fitzgerald appeared on magazine covers across the country, generating significant interest before being taken as the third overall pick by the Arizona cardinals. He spent the rest of his playing days in Arizona where he was selected to 11 pro bowls over 13 seasons and joined Dan Marino as the only other Pitt man to earn the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
