Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the veteran Minnesota sportswriter and father of Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., has died at age 71. The family confirmed the passing Monday, with son Marcus describing him as "a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and a true pioneer in the Minnesota broadcasting community." Fitzgerald Sr. worked in Minnesota sports media for nearly 50 years, leaving a significant impact on the industry that he loved.

Fitzgerald Sr. began his career in Minneapolis radio in 1978 and served as sports editor and columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for over 45 years. A Chicago native, he played college football at Indiana State and Indian Hills Community College before becoming a fixture in NFL press boxes, covering dozens of Super Bowls while supporting his son's Hall of Fame NFL career.

The Vikings organization expressed sadness, calling Fitzgerald Sr. "a distinguished journalist and trusted voice in Minnesota sports for nearly 50 years." The Cardinals, for whom his son played his entire 17-year career, also offered condolences. His legacy extends beyond sports journalism as a community leader who cared deeply about the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and mentored countless journalists.