Larry Fitzgerald has strong ties to the Pat Tillman Foundation, despite never having played alongside Tillman. The Arizona Cardinals selected Fitzgerald in the draft one day after the tragic news of Tillman’s death in Afghanistan in 2004. This connection has persisted throughout Fitzgerald’s illustrious 17-year NFL career, marked by significant community involvement.
Larry Fitzgerald Receives Champion Award
On what would have been Pat Tillman’s 49th birthday, the Pat Tillman Foundation awarded Fitzgerald the Champion Award for 2025 in Chicago. This honor recognizes Fitzgerald’s commitment to veterans and his ongoing support for the military community, as well as his relationship with the Foundation.
Significance of the Champion Award
The Champion Award celebrates the legacy of Pat Tillman and his belief in contributing to something larger than oneself. The Foundation stated that it recognizes individuals whose extraordinary service and civic contributions inspire others to strive for greatness.
Ceremony Highlights
- Fitzgerald was recognized for his remarkable dedication to veterans.
- Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill attended the ceremony.
- The event also honored numerous Tillman scholars supported by the Foundation.
During his acceptance speech, Fitzgerald reflected on Tillman’s legacy. He stated, “Initially, I believed my role was just simply to contribute to the football team. However, I soon recognized the standard set by Pat was far greater.” He emphasized that Tillman’s example motivated him to elevate his own commitments.
The Pat Tillman Foundation continues to support educational opportunities for veterans. The dedication seen in both Fitzgerald’s actions and the Foundation’s mission embodies the spirit of service and community that Pat Tillman inspired.
