Larry Fitzgerald refuses to use the word “retired” to describe his post-playing career, explaining that his grandfather warned him retirement is dangerous. The legendary NFL wide receiver, who last played in 2020 and is now turning 43, views his career end as a simple transition to different phases of life.
When Larry Fitzgerald approaches life after professional football, he draws a hard line at a single word. Despite walking away from the NFL following the 2020 season, the legendary pass catcher rejects the label that most athletes embrace when they hang up their cleats. Instead of retiring, Fitzgerald insists he has simply turned the page to a new chapter.
Why the Cardinals Legend Refuses the “Retired” Label
The aversion to the term stems from lessons learned in his youth, when his grandfather and a longtime friend discussed the psychological toll of stopping work. That conversation left a lasting impression on the former Arizona Cardinals star, who now serves as an active analyst, podcast co-host, venture investor, and philanthropist.
“They’d talk about retirement killing more people in our country than anything. It always stuck with me. I just don’t believe in retirement. I just think you transition into different phases, especially as an athlete. I was done at 38. Retire? There is no retirement in sight. I protest the word more than the actual thing. So I just won’t acknowledge that.”
Larry Fitzgerald
That philosophical stance explains why Fitzgerald never had an official retirement announcement or a formal farewell press conference when his playing days ended. Even during initial speculation about a potential return in the years following his final game, he maintained a clear distinction between walking away from a specific job and giving up productivity altogether.
Looking Back at a Hall of Fame Career
He accumulated 17,492 receiving yards, which stands as the second-highest total on the all-time list. Alongside those numbers, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections.
The manner in which his playing career concluded added to the unusual exit. His final campaign in 2020 took place amid empty stadiums and strict pandemic-era restrictions, offering none of the traditional pomp associated with a legendary career wind-down. Yet Fitzgerald viewed the transition on his own terms, making it clear to interviewers that he never felt compelled to use a vocabulary that did not fit his worldview.
“Retirement is what I look at as a 70-year-old sitting in the panhandle of Florida, with their feet in the sand. That’s not my jam, you know? I’m just transitioning to something different than what I did before. So, I don’t even like using the word ‘retired’. My grandfather, he told me that retirement kills more people than anything in the country.”
Larry Fitzgerald
Building a Multifaceted Second Act
Rather than sitting idle, Fitzgerald has kept exceptionally busy across sports media, business, and community leadership. Before stepping away from the field, he laid the groundwork for his next ventures by partnering with Jim Gray and Tom Brady as a co-host for the Let’s Go!
podcast. He also took on a role with ESPN covering Monday Night Countdown and NFL playoffs.
Beyond broadcasting, his post-playing portfolio expanded to include venture investments supporting businesses across various avenues. His philanthropic and civic footprint grew as well; he was honored as a Henry Crown Fellow and received the Heisman Humanitarian Award, demonstrating that his active schedule extends far beyond the gridiron.
What Comes Next for the Iconic Pass Catcher
As he turns 43 this month, Fitzgerald continues to approach his life and career with the same intense discipline that defined his time on the field. Whether appearing at golf events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am or expanding his business ventures, he remains entirely focused on forward momentum.
For fans and observers accustomed to traditional athlete goodbyes, Fitzgerald’s refusal to utter a single word serves as a reminder that personal definitions of success and productivity do not have to conform to standard expectations. The linguistic protest remains absolute, ensuring that whatever phase comes next, retirement will not be part of the vocabulary.
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