Larry Fitzgerald has enjoyed a long, illustrious career in the NFL and is widely considered one of the best Wide Receivers to ever play the game. Fitzgerald has spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals and his earnings in that time make him one of the highest-paid NFL players in history.
Larry Fitzgerald’s Net Worth is approximately $100 Million. According to overthecap.com, Fitzgerald has earned $182 Million in gross salary and bonuses during his 17 seasons in Arizona. Our calculation includes the average effective tax rate for NFL Players (>40%), estimated living expenses, liabilities, charitable contributions, endorsement earnings, and more.
We will get into the nitty-gritty of how we calculated Fitzgerald's Net Worth and the details on his contract, average annual salary, and endorsement deals. First, let's take a closer look at what has made this everyday guy a football legend.
Larry Fitzgerald Football Career
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. had a unique introduction to football. Growing up in Minneapolis and having a sports writer for a father gave Fitzgerald the opportunity to serve as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings. It just so happens the Minnesota Vikings would roster two of the greatest Wide Receivers in NFL history while Fitzgerald served as a ball boy. Chris Carter and Randy Moss.
Fitzgerald fell in love with football and had a front row seat to see what it takes to become an all-time great pass catcher.
The future 11 time pro-bowler played his high school football at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota. There, Fitzgerald was twice named 1st team All State. Fitzgerald was a clear talent and had plenty of suitors but did not qualify academically for NCAA football. For that reason, Fitzgerald spent a year at a prep school in Pennsylvania before starting his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh.
Larry Fitzgerald was an instant success at Pitt. He amassed over 1,000 yards receiving and caught 12 touchdowns in his Freshmen season. As a Sophomore, Fitzgerald led the NCAA in touchdowns with 22, won numerous national awards (including the Walter Camp and Biletnikoff Awards), and became a household name.
Larry Fitzgerald would realize his dream of playing in the NFL when he became the 3rd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Fitzgerald began his career with the Arizona Cardinals much like he began his college career. In his first two seasons with the Cardinals, he caught a total of 18 touchdowns and over 2100 receiving yards.
Larry Fitzgerald NFL Accomplishments
- 11x Pro Bowler
- 3x All Pro
- 2nd in NFL All-time Receiving Yards (17,492)
- 2nd in NFL All-time Career Receptions (1,432)
- 6th in NFL All-time Receiving TD's (121)
- 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Winner
Larry Fitzgerald's Contract History
Most of Larry Fitzgerald's Net Worth has come from his contract earnings. As stated earlier, Fitzgerald has earned a whopping $182 Million in salary and bonuses. That means Larry Fitzgerald's average annual salary comes out to $10.7 Million.
Fitzgerald's salary peaked in 2011, his 8th season when he pulled in an impressive $19.2 Million. His contract has been restructured or expired 7 times meaning he has had 8 different contracts in his time with the Cardinals.
The average NFL salary is around $850,000 and the average rookie makes less than $500,000 in their first year. Fitzgerald's rookie contract was considered a 6 year $60 Million contract though “only” $20 Million of that was guaranteed. His actual rookie salary was around $2.5 Million.
NFL contracts are unique in that much of the advertised amount is not guaranteed to be earned by the player. Rather, the player must earn the remainder of the contract through various performance incentives.
Fitzgerald and the Cardinals would eventually renegotiate and restructure his contract in 2008.
Larry Fitzgerald Endorsements, Sponsorships, and Business Dealings
Many high-profile athletes have a reputation and documented history of making exorbitant salaries only to later file for bankruptcy after retirement. ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, “Broke”, tells the stories of Allen Iverson, Andre Rison, Bernie Kosar, and their financial misfortunes.
Larry Fitzgerald's life tells a much different story. Fitzgerald has gained a reputation as a successful businessman and investor. His personal website states: “Larry has dedicated himself to developing his entrepreneurial acumen as he continuously grows his portfolio of investments and business ventures.” (credit: larryfitzgerald.com)
Fitzgerald is known to have endorsement deals with several high profile companies including:
- Nike
- Lenovo
- University of Phoenix
- Recovery Water
- Rocket Mortgage
- USAA
It is estimated that Fitzgerald has netted close to $20 Million in endorsement earnings over the course of his career.
Fitzgerald's website also advertises business partnerships with:
- ProCamps
- Dick's Sporting Goods
- Steak 44
- Nomad Hill
- Phoenix Suns
Perhaps Fitzgerald's most notable business venture is with the Phoenix Suns. The exact details of the minority stake Fitzgerald purchased in January of 2020 are still unknown to the public but it was an investment that was welcomed by the people of Phoenix.
Larry Fitzgerald's Net Worth: By the Numbers
Larry Fitzgerald is one of the greatest receivers to ever play in the NFL. He is a league-wide fan favorite. A class act and an incredibly successful businessman and investor. Congratulations to Larry on a great career and a well deserved net worth of over $100 Million.
