NFL rumors: Larry Fitzgerald to retire after 2016 season

It appears after the 2016 NFL season another lock-in for the Hall of Fame, Larry Fitzgerald, will be hanging up the cleats.

He’s arguably been one of the best NFL wide receivers. Now it appears that Larry Fitzgerald’s days left in the league are numbered. The Arizona Cardinals star has reportedly informed those close to him that the 2016 NFL season will be his last.

For many people, it’s just a dream come true to play in the NFL. Then, it’s even greater odds to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fitzgerald is a sure first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee.

Heading into the 2016 season, Fitzgerald has over 1,000 receptions, 13,000 receiving yards, and 98 touchdowns. Since the Cardinals drafted him in 2004, he has been loyal to the club during his career as he now heads into his 13th NFL season. The loyalty paid off as he’s been the top target for the quarterbacks that have come and gone in Arizona.

Last season, Fitzgerald reached over 1,000 receiving yards for the seventh time in his NFL career and the first time since 2011. If he can repeat his 2015 stat line this season, then he would end his career on a high note.

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As a result, Fitzgerald retirement rumors shouldn’t be shocking. He’s accomplished much throughout his NFL career. There isn’t a lot left to do that he already hasn’t done. Before this season, the wide receiver signed a one-year, $11 million deal to stay in Arizona. Sunday’s season opener could be his last as an NFL wide receiver.

If it is, then the fans have been treated to some great play and heroics over his previous 13 seasons, and he will go down as one of the all-time greatest Cardinals players.