Larry Fitzgerald will probably never tell a story about how he went from being a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings to playing for the Vikings during the latter years of his amazing career in the National Football League.
Despite speculation over the years that such a move could happen, ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported Wednesday that Fitzgerald, who went to high school at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, was close to finalizing a contract extension that would keep him with the Arizona Cardinals for the rest of his career.
That deal is apparently done, according to Pro Football Talk.
“PFT has learned a bit more about the deal via a league source. Fitzgerald’s old deal ran through the 2018 season and was set to pay him a non-guaranteed $16.5 million in 2015 while counting $23.6 million against the cap. He was also set to make a non-guaranteed $15 million salary
“That deal has been replaced by one that guarantees Fitzgerald $11 million per year over the next two seasons.”
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim told an Arizona radio station last week that he’s been in “constant communication” with Fitzgerald’s agent about a new contract.
“It’d be awfully tough for me to see Larry Fitzgerald wearing another uniform,” Keim told Arizona Sports 98.7.
#Vikings fans crushed “@AdamSchefter Cardinals & Larry Fitzgerald closing in on multi-year deal that will get done, finish his career in AZ
— Master (@MasterTes) February 18, 2015
Earlier this month Fitzgerald, who turns 32 in August, in an interview with the Pioneer Press, didn’t sound too sure of his future in Arizona.
“Well, I’m under contract still with the Arizona Cardinals, so I can’t answer where I’ll be,” he said. “If I’m released, obviously there will be opportunities there, but I’m still under contract to the Arizona Cardinals. … This is where I got drafted, and this is where I started and I’ve enjoyed playing here, but you never know.”
Fitzgerald said he’s still a Vikings fan and he cheers for them every game unless they’re playing the Cardinals.
In 11 seasons, Fitzgerald has racked up 909 catches for 12,151 yards and 89 touchdowns.
