Larry Fitzgerald announced recently that he will return for a 17th season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, but that isn’t the only big decision the future Hall of Famer has made this month.
Fitzgerald has purchased a minority stake in the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski. The 36-year-old is now the second active NFL player to join the ownership group of an NBA franchise, as Aaron Rodgers also purchased a minority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018.
It makes sense that Fitzgerald is taking on another business venture in Phoenix, as he has been tied to the area since he came into the NFL in 2004. However, the ESPN report says his relationship with the Suns and managing partner Robert Sarver has been “more than ceremonial.” Fitzgerald has already been a part of potential front office candidate interviews and worked with the Suns on their public arena vote, though his involvement is expected to be somewhat limited while his NFL playing career continues.
Fitzgerald has been a season ticket holder with the Suns since 2005. He was drafted by the Cardinals in 2004. He’s beloved in the Phoenix area, and the Suns are hoping he can bring more credibility to a franchise that has been struggling in recent years. Phoenix has missed the playoffs in each of the past nine seasons and finished 15th in the Western Conference the past three. The Suns are 18-25 this year.
