Larry Fitzgerald Discusses Breast Cancer Awareness and Friendship with John McCain

<p>Former Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald has focused on raising awareness for breast cancer following the death of his mother, Carol, from the disease in 2003. His foundation has partnered with DraftKings on the Pink ’Em campaign, which has raised over $700,000 for breast cancer awareness, research, and patient support since its inception in 2019.</p><p>In an interview with OutKick, Fitzgerald discussed the significance of the campaign, the influence of his mother, his friendship with the late Senator John McCain, and his experiences during his 17 seasons with the Cardinals.</p><p><strong>Q: Your foundation’s partnership with DraftKings through the Pink ’Em campaign has raised more than $700,000 for breast cancer awareness. What does that mean to you personally?</strong></p><p><strong>Larry Fitzgerald:</strong> It means a lot that you can raise this type of awareness together in a partnership. It’s a win-win for everybody. We get to raise awareness, and it’s a beautiful thing.</p><p><strong>Q: When did you first become passionate about this cause?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> In 2003, I lost my mother to breast cancer. This has been something that’s near and dear to my heart. I have other family members who’ve battled it as well.</p><p><strong>Q: When you think back on your mother, what do you think she would think of where your career has gone and how you’ve created this foundation and championed this cause?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> My mom was in the nonprofit space. I hope she would be proud of the work we’re continuing to do.</p><p><strong>Q: What’s the biggest thing your mother taught you while you were growing up that you’ve carried throughout your life?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> To be thoughtful and compassionate. Those things are really important.</p><p><strong>Q: One of the friendships you made during your career that really stood out was with the late John McCain.</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Senator McCain was a wonderful man and influence in my life. He helped me mature and see the world differently.</p><p><strong>Q: How did he help you change your worldview?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> He opened his world to me, showed me different things, and let me be a part of his experiences.</p><p><strong>Q: Did you agree with Senator McCain politically?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> I don’t agree with everything he believed in, but I can attest to the quality of man he was.</p><p><strong>Q: What does it say about the connection you had that, even if you disagreed on some political views, you were still open to letting him help shape your worldview?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> He embraced differences, and it would be nice to see that thoughtfulness in our country’s governance.</p><p><strong>Q: Nowadays, there are a lot of people who don’t agree politically. What do you think people could learn from your friendship with John McCain?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> It would be nice to see civil discourse without hard feelings. I admired how he debunked false statements during his rallies.</p><p><strong>Q: Do you see yourself cultivating any friendships with politicians nowadays?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Yes, I’m friendly with many people, including politicians.</p><p><strong>Q: Another thing about you that fascinated a lot of people throughout your career is how loyal you stayed to the Arizona Cardinals. What grounded you there?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> I like to finish what I started. I wanted to do the job I was brought there to do.</p><p><strong>Q: Were you ever tempted to consider an offer from another team?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Not seriously.</p><p><strong>Q: What was your best moment with the Cardinals?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Playing in a Super Bowl was significant, but I cherish the relationships I built during my time there.</p><p><strong>Q: Who are some of the people from the Cardinals whom you remember most fondly?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Mark Dalton, Lisa Manning, Steve Ryan, and Michael Bidwill, among others.</p><p><strong>Q: Bruce Arians is famous for having a unique personality compared to other coaches. Was he different in your experience?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> He was transparent and clear about expectations, which made it easier to play for him.</p><p><strong>Q: What was your favorite memory with Coach Arians that people may not know about?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> His compassion for foster children and the work he did through his foundation resonated with me.</p><p><strong>Q: Do you think he could make a coaching comeback today?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> If he wanted to, I think he would be successful.</p><p><strong>Q: The Cardinals have a big game this week against the Giants. What do you expect from this game?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> The Giants have faced injuries, but the Cardinals are healthier and have played well against tough opponents.</p><p><strong>Q: Do you stay in touch with any of the players and coaches currently on the Cardinals?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> I have great relationships with a few players, but I don’t give unsolicited advice.</p><p><strong>Q: Who are your top five wide receivers in the NFL this year?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> It’s hard to choose, but players like Davante Adams are performing well.</p><p><strong>Q: What about quarterbacks?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are among the top performers.</p><p><strong>Q: What should fans expect from Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart when he returns from injury?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> He has shown promise and has a bright future ahead.</p><p><strong>Q: As a star wide receiver, what kind of impact will Malik Nabers have for the Giants?</strong></p><p><strong>Fitzgerald:</strong> He’s stepping into a leadership role, and I believe he can succeed despite recent injuries.</p>