(Photo courtesy Phoenix Suns)
Arizona Cardinals football player Larry Fitzgerald has added team owner to his name as the wide receiver officially joins the Phoenix Suns Ownership Group. Fitzgerald becomes only the second active NFL player to own a stake in an NBA team, joining Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who purchased a stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018.
As announced by Phoenix Suns managing partner Robert Sarver:
“Larry has been a great ambassador for our organization for years. He is an Arizona icon and a businessman, passionate philanthropist, and leader,” said Sarver in a written statement. “He brings a unique perspective from outside basketball but still grounded in sport, and we welcome him as a valued partner and investor.”
As reported on Black Enterprise.com, two years ago, managing partner Robert Sarver suggested that Fitzgerald join the NBA team as he got to become friends with the Suns executive. Sarver and Fitzgerald first met in 2005, a year after Fitzgerald was drafted third overall by the Cardinals.
“It’s an investment in something I have supported since I’ve been in Arizona,” Fitzgerald tells NFL.com. “It gives me another connection in the community I love and always will live in. It’s a long-term commitment I wanted to make for life after football.”
Fitzgerald has just recently completed his 16th season and has signed a one-year extension with the Cardinals, with which he has been to a franchise-record 11 Pro Bowls and is the team’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, total touchdowns, 100-yard receiving games, and consecutive games with a reception. He is presently ranked No. 2 in NFL history in career receiving yards and is No. 6 in NFL history with 120 career TD receptions. He was recently named to the NFL’s 100 All-Time Team.
“I have a special place in my heart for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, and I have a great deal of respect for Robert,” Fitzgerald said. “He has become a dear friend and a trusted confidante. He is a big part of why I am making this commitment.”