Larry Fitzgerald Sr. passes away at 71 after nearly 50 years in sports journalism

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a respected Minnesota sports journalist and the father of Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., has died at the age of 71.

The news was announced by his younger son, Marcus Fitzgerald, in a social media post on Monday.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. A devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community, he spent his life pouring into the people and the city he loved so much," Marcus wrote.

"He left us peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and the people who loved him most."

Fitzgerald Sr. was a prominent figure in Minnesota sports media for nearly five decades. He began his broadcasting career in Minneapolis in 1978 and spent more than 45 years as sports editor and columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Born in Chicago, Fitzgerald Sr. played college football at Indiana State, Indian Hills Community College and Prairie View College before pursuing a career in journalism.

He also became a familiar face at NFL stadiums throughout his son’s distinguished professional football career.

Paying tribute, the Minnesota Vikings said in a statement: "The Vikings organization is saddened by the passing of Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years."

The team praised his contribution to sports journalism and community leadership, extending condolences to Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Marcus Fitzgerald and the wider Fitzgerald family.