Larry Fitzgerald Honored with Champion Award by Pat Tillman Foundation
Larry Fitzgerald, a former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, was recently honored with the Champion Award by the Pat Tillman Foundation. This recognition took place in Chicago on what would have been Pat Tillman’s 49th birthday. The award highlights Fitzgerald’s dedication to veterans and his strong ties to the military community.
Larry Fitzgerald’s Connection to Pat Tillman
Fitzgerald was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals just one day after the news of Tillman’s tragic death in Afghanistan in 2004. Despite never having played alongside Tillman, Fitzgerald has significantly contributed to the community and the mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation throughout his 17-year NFL career.
Champion Award Significance
- The Champion Award celebrates the enduring legacy of Pat Tillman.
- It recognizes individuals whose service and contributions inspire greatness in others.
- Fitzgerald’s recognition connects with Tillman’s belief in serving a cause greater than oneself.
Ceremony Highlights
The award ceremony featured notable attendees, including Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, who showed support for Fitzgerald’s commitment to veterans. The event also celebrated several Tillman scholars, emphasizing the Foundation’s ongoing mission.
Acceptance Speech Insights
During his acceptance speech, Fitzgerald reflected on the profound impact of Tillman’s legacy. He expressed how he initially viewed his role as simply contributing to the football team. However, he soon realized that Tillman’s standards set a higher bar for service and commitment.
Continuing the Mission
The Pat Tillman Foundation remains dedicated to providing educational opportunities for veterans. Both Fitzgerald’s exemplary actions and the Foundation’s ongoing work embody the spirit of service that Pat Tillman inspired in countless individuals.
