NFL Pro Bowl - Larry Fitzgerald Wins MVP As NFC Rolls Past AFC

By Andrew Richards Published 02/8/2009  NFL Football News

NFC 30 : AFC 21 It was as if the the Super Bowl never ended when Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald stepped on to the field Sunday in Honolulu. Fitzgerald became the first player in Cardinals franchise history to win Pro Bowl MVP as he caught five passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cardinals wide-out scored on a 46-yard pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the second quarter, then put the NFC ahead 24-21 in the fourth quarter off a two-yard pass from Giants signal caller Eli Manning.

Larry Fitzgerald Named Pro Bowl MVP

By Amberly Richardson AZRedReport.com, Publisher Posted Feb 8, 2009

Larry Fitzgerald represented the Arizona Cardinals well at the 2009 Pro Bowl. He nabbed two touchdown receptions and the MVP title. The rest of his travel companions didn’t fare as well, but were still a big part of the storyline.

Larry Fitzgerald brings home a pair of touchdown receptions and the MVP title after competing at the 2009 Pro Bowl. He earned a second-best 81 yards (Steve Smith nabbed 89 yards).

Anquan Boldin grabbed two receptions for a third-best 27 yards.

On a late third and goal situation NFC Coach Andy Reid reminded Eli Manning.

“You got Larry here and Anquan.”

As if Manning

Even With One Good Hand, Larry Fitzgerald Is Best WR in NFL

Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald stars again as NFC tops AFC

February 8, 2009 :  http://www.kffl.com/

HONOLULU (Ticker) -- Larry Fitzgerald got his bowl victory one week too late.

Fitzgerald caught a pair of touchdown passes to lead the NFC to a 30-21 victory over the AFC in Sunday's Pro Bowl.

The unstoppable force in the Arizona Cardinals' stunning run to the Super Bowl, Fitzgerald capped off the best postseason in league history with five receptions for 81 yards, including scoring passes of 46 and 2 yards.

The fifth-year wideout had seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Arizona's 27-23 loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday in Super Bowl XLIII.

Larry Fitzgerald Caps Off Spectacular Season with Pro Bowl MVP

By Revenge of the Birds, February 9th, 2009 : http://phoenix.fanster.com/

The AFC's best couldn't slow him down. Larry Fitzgerald had a very good regular season and a great post season, but that wasn't enough for the 5th year pro. Fitzgerald capped off his 2008 season by leading his NFC squad over the best from the AFC, 30-21 and winning the MVP of the game. He didn't lead the team in receptions or yards but when the NFC needed a big play, they turned to the best WR in the league. Fitz finished with five receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns, including the score that put the NFC on top for good with just over two minutes left in the game.

In other Arizona Cardinals-related news coming out of the Pro Bowl:

Fitzgerald Dazzles; Cowboys Quiet In Pro Bowl

Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
February 8, 2009  : http://www.dallascowboys.com/

As expected, the Cowboys didn't play a major factor in Sunday's Pro Bowl in Hawaii, but the NFC did come away with yet another victory, the second straight for the conference and the third in the last four years.

In what could be the very last Pro Bowl in Hawaii, as the NFL plans to rotate the game to the mainland starting next season in Miami, although it could rotate back to the island in future years, the NFC outlasted the AFC in another exciting contest.

Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald nearly stole the show for his team in Super Bowl XXLIII, but he completed the act Sunday for his NFC squad, catching a pair of touchdown passes en route to a 30-21 for his team. 
 

Fitzgerald stars in NFC win

Two touchdowns for Cardinals star in Hawaii

9th February 2009 : http://www.skysports.com/

Larry Fitzgerald caught two touchdown passes to guide the NFC to a 30-21 victory over the AFC in the NFL's Pro Bowl in Honolulu on Sunday.

The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver capped off a memorable season in fine style with a total of five receptions for 81 yards and was named MVP after the game.

His first touchdown came on the back of a spectacular 46-yard catch from a Drew Brees pass and the second courtesy of a two-yard throw from Eli Manning. 

Larry Fitzgerald Helps NFC Defeat AFC 30-21 in NFL’s Pro Bowl

By Erik Matuszewski : http://www.bloomberg.com/

Feb. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals caught two touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score with 4:07 left, as the NFC defeated the AFC 30-21 in the National Football League’s Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald, who last week caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in the Cardinals’ Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player in helping the National Football Conference take a 20-19 lead in the all- time series against the American Football Conference.

Fitzgerald finished with five receptions for 81 yards at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, capping a postseason in which he had set NFL records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in four playoff games.  

Fitzgerald's two touchdown catches spark NFC to Pro Bowl win

Sun Feb 8, 2009 : http://www.reuters.com/

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Reuters) - Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught two touchdown passes to help NFC rally for a 30-21 victory over the AFC in the NFL's Pro Bowl on Sunday.

The Arizona Cardinals' Fitzgerald scored on a 46-yard pass from Drew Brees in the second quarter, then put the NFC ahead 24-21 off a two-yard pass from Eli Manning in the annual end of season game.

Adrian Peterson scored the NFC's other touchdown on a 10-yard third-quarter run and John Carney kicked three field goals.

Fitzgerald named MVP as NFC wins Pro Bowl

 February 8, 2009: http://msn.foxsports.com/

HONOLULU (AP) - With a huge red lei around his neck and a wide grin that could have stretched across Oahu, Larry Fitzgerald held up the gleaming, silver MVP trophy. It sparkled in the sunshine as much as his game.

 

The only problem: It wasn't the Lombardi Trophy.

Fitzgerald caught five passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, 44-year-old John Carney kicked two fourth-quarter field goals, and the NFC rallied to a 30-21 victory over the AFC. The Arizona Cardinals' All-Pro receiver, coming off a record-breaking postseason and a spectacular Super Bowl in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, earned MVP honors.

But he said the victory over the AFC, which featured three members of the Steelers' defense, didn't ease the pain from the Super Bowl.

Larry Fitzgerald's dad a veteran journalist proud to see son in Super Bowl

http://www.nydailynews.com/

 something Larry Sr., the receiver's journalist-father, dreamed about even before son played for Pitt.

TAMPA - Every father who has a son and is a football fan has the same fantasy. It is nurtured from the time the son steps onto the field in Pee Wee football. The dad wants to see his son play in the Super Bowl someday.

Sports journalists have the same dream, but it is nurtured in secret - part of that "No Rooting in the Press Box" oath.

Larry Fitzgerald Sr., a syndicated radio sports journalist and writer for the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder newspaper, is getting to see his fantasy come true. His son Larry Jr. is the outstanding receiver for the Arizona Cardinals who will start against Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday.

"It's just still hard to believe it's happening right in front of my eyes," Fitzgerald said. "You see your son develop and you think that one day it's possible. But you never really know. I'm pinching myself everyday. I'm very gratified."

The younger Fitzgerald joked Monday that he might answer his father's questions at Super Bowl Media Day today if his father poses them the right way. He said the only advice his father gave him about handling the media during Super Bowl week was to tell the truth and be himself.

In Green's mold

Cardinals are who their former coach thought they were

If Dennis Green harbors any bitterness for being fired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals after the 2006 season, he doesn't show it.

If there's a tinge of sadness that Ken Whisenhunt, and not him, is in Tampa Bay this week coaching the Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, he's not saying that, either.

There certainly weren't any signs of that early Saturday morning as Green, wearing a hat with his trademark saying, “They Are Who We Thought They Were” on it, fished from a boat on Dixon Lake in Escondido. Green's 10-year-old son, Zach, fished next to him, and they were joined by Jed Dickerson and his son, Jed Jr.

Anyone there saw a boat filled with the laughter and excitement of two fathers with their sons, enjoying a morning fishing on a lake.

Fishing always has been a big part of Green's world, dating back to his youth in Harrisburg, Pa. And now that he's retired from coaching, living in San Diego and approaching his 60th birthday next month, Green spends as much time as he can with his wife, Marie, daughter, Vanessa, 11, and son.

“I like where I'm at in my life,” Green said. “My world is living here in San Diego and fishing with my son and playing golf with my wife and daughter every chance I get.

Fitzgeralds just doing jobs

To the best anyone can remember, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. will be the first sportswriter to cover his son, Larry Jr. (shown), in a Super Bowl. “I’m going to be just like any other journalist down there,” Larry Sr. said.

But Sunday will be no typical day at the office. Dad will be covering the Super Bowl, and son will be playing in it.

By MARK CRAIG, Star Tribune : January 27, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/

It was Nov. 22, 2006, and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was on a conference call with Minnesota reporters covering that week's game between Fitzgerald's Cardinals and his hometown Vikings.

One particularly persistent reporter asked a question. Then another. Then another.

Fitzgerald paused after the third question. What followed didn't come from the mouth of Larry Fitzgerald, superstar receiver. Judging by the tone in the voice, it came from Larry Fitzgerald, the little kid who grew up on 48th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis.

"Daaaad," Fitzgerald said. "What are you doing? You can ask me these questions at home."

Larry Fitzgerald Sr. smiled and asked the question again. The longtime Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder sportswriter and local radio host was just doing his job.

No cons to meeting pros: Fitzgerald learned from Garnett, Moss

TAMPA - The son of a sportswriter, star Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has fond memories of his frequent meetings with professional athletes from teams in Minnesota, where he grew up. Two of his most meaningful encounters came with pros who now call New England home - Kevin Garnett (Celtics) and Randy Moss (Patriots).

The impression both players left on him - Garnett while suiting up for the Timberwolves, Moss for the Vikings - was indelible.

"I still keep in touch with Kevin. He's probably my favorite athlete of all time," said Fitzgerald. "Just his work ethic, his passion, and desire to play. His leadership is unquestioned, unmatched.

"I remember a story, I was probably 15 or 16 and he had just played a game, scored 30 points, but they lost. After the game, he talked to me for an hour by his car. Things like that, you just never forget. You're a superstar, Hall of Fame player who just lost a basketball game and he takes the time out to talk to you, just a regular 16-year-old kid. That meant a lot to me and I'll never forget about that."

Fitzgerald also served as a ballboy with the Vikings, a time in which he often shadowed receivers Moss and Cris Carter. During down times, he sometimes hung out with Moss.

NFL playoff star Larry Fitzgerald wanted to be a Nittany Lion

Posted by Michael/PennLive.com January 25, 2009  blog.pennlive.com/ 

AP PhotoCould Larry Fitzgerald have been a Nittany Lion?

Super Bowl XLIII is one week away and the one person on every Pittsburgh Steeler mind is former Pitt Panther star Larry Fitzgerald.

The Arizona Cardinal wide receiver carried his team to his sport's championship with the greatest run of playoff performances by a pass catcher in NFL history.

Two glowing profiles of the Minnesota-raised athlete appeared today -- one in the New York Times, the other in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune -- that carried news sure to make Nittany Nation groan. Larry grew up a Lion fan and wanted to attend Penn State.

The Times reports that PSU's "coaches reduced their recruiting efforts because his grades were not up to par."

Why No One Deserves a Super Bowl Ring More Than Larry Fitzgerald

by Garrett Derr (January 21, 2009 http://bleacherreport.com

Larry Fitzgerald.

As an Eagles' fan, this guy broke my heart last week.

So you ask, why am I writing an article about him? Good question.

I like him. He actually reminds me of a football player. He's classy in every category that you can think of—he's humble and the best NFL receiver.

Fitzgerald reminds me of Hines Ward—except he's better.

He's played in the NFL for only five years. He's gone over 1,400 yards in three of those five years. He's caught 100+ balls in two different seasons—catching 96 this season.

This postseason, Fitzgerald has helped the sleeper Arizona Cardinals make it all the way to the Super Bowl. In the process, he has gone over 100 yards in all three playoff games.

The Unstoppable Larry Fitzgerald.

by Daniel Brommer : http://bleacherreport.com/

All things aside, the Arizona Cardinals are playing like a pack of hungry wolves looking for it's next prey. The leader of the pack is clearly the talented young receiver, Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald has literally owned the playoffs. We have not seen an offensive performance like this since Jerry Rice, whose record for most receiving yards in the postseason was just broke by none other than Fitzgerald, who happens to have one more game left.

My only question is this, honestly who didn't see this coming? Can anyone even name Pitt's quarterback that Fitzgerald played with in college without looking it up. He has made quarterbacks look good his entire career. Don't you remember Josh McGowan before the Warner days? Without Fitzgerald, McGowan would be what he is now, a nobody.

Fitzgerald tortures Eagles defense

The Cardinals receiver had nine catches for 152 yards and three scores against Philadelphia.

By MIKE JENSEN, Philadelphia Inquirer  Last update: January 18, 2009 -

GLENDALE, ARIZ. - It's official: Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is the most feared receiver in professional football.

The Arizona Cardinals wideout has the NFL postseason records to back it up and the film of how he tortured the vaunted Eagles defense on Sunday before halftime in the NFC Championship Game. He was still around University of Phoenix Stadium making important plays at the end.

On his way to 152 receiving yards, Fitzgerald made a strong opening statement. It looked like he was going to be stopped when the most feared hitter on the Eagles' defense, Brian Dawkins, delivered Fitzgerald a shot in the left hip. Fitzgerald didn't seem to notice.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.: A long way from home

By MARK CRAIG, Star Tribune: Last update: January 26, 2009 - 12:19 AM

Minneapolis Pee Wee Larry Fitzgerald Jr. took a detour to Virginia before becoming a college standout at Pitt and an NFL star in Arizona. Now he prepares for the Super Bowl.

From his Minneapolis upbringing with mom Carol and dad Larry Sr. to his near-Heisman run at Pitt to the Super Bowl, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. has made memories. The young man jumping through television sets across America the past three weeks leapt into this world on Aug. 31, 1983, at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul.

The ensuing 25 years, four months and 25 days in the life of Larry Fitzgerald Jr. formed a path to fame and fortune as an NFL wide receiver. A week from today, the journey reaches the ultimate stage when Fitzgerald's Arizona Cardinals play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla.

Steelers need Taylor to slow Fitzgerald

By ALAN ROBINSON –

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ike Taylor doesn't get much attention for being the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary defender against an opponent's top receiver. Sometimes that's good, because it means Taylor isn't getting beaten for many touchdown catches.

Taylor will go against the NFL's hottest receiver, Larry Fitzgerald of Arizona, in the Super Bowl, and he has two long weeks to think about it. Given Fitzgerald's outrageous postseason production, this appears to be a bad matchup for any cornerback.

"He has 419 yards in the postseason, and it isn't over with. He's breaking some of Jerry Rice's records," Taylor said. "From what he's displaying week in and week out, yeah, he's one of the best in the world."

Taylor isn't as recognizable as All-Pros James Harrison or Troy Polamalu in Pittsburgh's league-leading defense, but he played well enough to be a Pro Bowl alternate. He yielded only two touchdowns in coverage despite being matched against receivers such as Terrell Owens, Chad Ocho Cinco, Plaxico Burress, Andre Johnson, Wes Welker, Reggie Wayne, Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Santana Moss.