This, Arizona Cardinals fans, is the news you were waiting for. Letting Larry Fitzgerald walk out of town was simply not an option for the Bidwill family. He very well could go down as the single greatest athlete in Arizona sports history for his combination of top-tier talent and unparalleled character and humanity. Go ahead and hate puppies and kittens, but it's impossible not to love and adore Larry Fitzgerald.
Here's the report (still unofficial) from the typically reliable Adam Schefter:
Filed to ESPN: Arizona will sign WR Larry Fitzgerald to a record 8-year, $120 million deal that includes close to $50 million guaranteed.
Yes, that's a lot of money for a football player. But considering what Fitz brings to the game and compared to the $50 million guaranteed to a rookie (Sam Bradford), it's money well spent. Compared to guys like baseball's Jason Werth ($126m) and basketball's Joe Johnson ($124m), it's an absolute steal.
With Fitz, who's only 27, there's no question that you are going to get his absolute best each and every time he steps on the field. You are going to get spectacular plays (like this one from Friday night) and you are going to a leader and franchise player who will never embarrass your team and sport.
It's a big contract, but when it came to paying Larry Fitzgerald there simply isn't such a thing as "over paid".
For more on Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals visit Revenge of the Birds.