Larry Fitzgerald Reflects on Pitt Experience

PITTSBURGH -- Larry Fitzgerald played for the Pitt Panthers more than 20 years ago, but the soon-to-be Hall of Famer will never forget his time in college.

Fitzgerald came to Pitt football after serving as one of the best wide receivers in Minnesota in the early 2000s. He excelled for the program in just two seasons in 2002-03, making 161 catches for 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns.

He had one of the best seasons ever for the Panthers in 2003, where he worked with Pittsburgh native and quarterback Rod Rutherford to make 92 catches for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns. The receiving yards and receiving toucdowns both rank as the most for a Panther in a single season, while his 92 receptions rank third most.

Fitzgerald earned a number of honors and won numerous awards for his performance that season, including First Team All-Big East, Big East Offensive Player of the Year, unanimous All-American, and both the Walter Camp and Biletnikoff Awards, identifying him as one of the best players in the country and the top wide receiver in the FBS, respectively.

He entered the 2004 NFL Draft, where the Arizona Cardinals drafted him with the No. 3 overall pick. Fitzgerald would go on to have a stellar career, spending all 17 seasons through 2020 with the franchise.

Fitzgerald finished his NFL career with 1,432 catches for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns. His recepitons and receiving yards rank second best all-time, behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, while his receiving touchdowns ranks sixth best.

He made a post on Instagram, giving thanks to Pitt football for developing him into the great player the world knows him for and also the man he became off the field.

"I’ve seen a few young athletes announce their college commitment decisions recently, and I can’t help but reflect on making that decision on my own all those years ago," he wrote.

"Choosing to attend @pittofficial and continue my athletic career there was one of the most formative decisions I could ever make. My experience at Pitt allowed me to grow into the young man I wanted to be, challenge myself both academically and athletically, and make lifelong connections and memories I’ll never forget. I remember the first time I stepped onto the field, I knew it was where I was meant to be. From the coaches, the players, and the administration to the city and my church family at Mt Ararat, everything felt like a new home away from home.

"For any young student-athletes out there making a college decision right now: trust your instincts, do your research and find a place that feels like home and doesn’t make you feel like you are just another spoke on a wheel, where you can grow and develop as a person and an athlete. If you do all of that, it’ll be all worth it in the end."

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