Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a long-time Minnesota sports reporter and the father of soon-to-be Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., died at 71. His brother Marcus shared the news on social media, while the Minnesota Vikings issued a statement honoring his dec
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. spent decades becoming a familiar voice to Minnesota sports fans. from the press box to the sidelines and. eventually. across the NFL’s biggest stages. On an afternoon when the Minnesota sports scene usually moved with its usual rhythm, his family confirmed he has died. He was 71.
Marcus Fitzgerald, the brother of Larry Fitzgerald Jr., announced their father’s passing on social media. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr.,” Marcus wrote. “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 added that Larry Fitzgerald Sr. “left us peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and the people who loved him most.”
The Vikings also responded with grief and respect. The organization said it was “saddened by the passing of Larry Fitzgerald Sr. a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years.” In their statement. the team emphasized that Larry built lasting relationships with players. coaches and staff members across local organizations. describing him as someone recognized widely across the NFL for covering dozens of Super Bowls and other major events.
“Beyond his reputation in the media. Larry was a dedicated father and a community leader who cared deeply about the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,” the Vikings said. “Our hearts are with Larry Jr. Marcus and the entire Fitzgerald family. as well as Larry’s friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss.”.
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. had been a fixture in the Minnesota sports scene since 1978. a span that placed him at the center of generations of coverage. When a figure like that disappears. the loss isn’t only personal to the family—it’s felt across the community built around the broadcasts. the relationships. and the shared moments of game day.
The Vikings offered condolences to Larry Fitzgerald Sr.’s family, friends and colleagues, and the messages quickly circled back to the same theme: a life lived around sports, storytelling, and service in Minnesota—ending peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him most.
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Vikings Minnesota sports reporter Hall of Fame receiver Marcus Fitzgerald Super Bowl coverage Minneapolis-St. Paul
RIP. 71 is way too young.
Never realized he covered that long. Thought Larry Jr’s dad was more like a coach or something lol. Vikings should really bring him up more during games.
This makes me sad. I feel like Minnesota sports people are always in our lives, even if you never met them. Also wasn’t he the one who did the Super Bowl interviews? I might be mixing him up with someone else.
So Larry Fitzgerald Sr died and the Vikings “mourn” him like they didn’t ignore the old school broadcasters for years. I mean I get it, he covered Super Bowls, but isn’t this the same guy who said something about players being “soft” years ago? Idk, I’m probably thinking of a different Larry. Either way, condolences to the family.