Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald says his 2019 return was an automatic decision after Arizona's poor season.
The future Hall of Fame player has continued to return to the desert despite saying retirement has been a legitimate option in the last number of off-seasons. Those thoughts didn't surface after a 3-13 year:
“We had a really bad season last year and I just didn’t want to go out on that level,” Fitzgerald told ESPN's Mina Kimes: “You’ve got to live the rest of your life knowing you went out on that level.”
“At the end of the year I felt like, this was not it,” Fitzgerald concluded.
Despite turning 36 years old before the regular season begins, number 11's play hasn't suffered a severe drop off, and the wide receiver is expected to make major contributions under new head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
“I still enjoy it and I can still play,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m not the player that I was 10 years ago, but I can still go out there and contribute. I can make plays. I can be somebody who can situationally really help the team and make explosive plays for my group.”
Besides physical production, Fitzgerald's presence boosts a rebuilding Arizona team. When asked about under-pressure second year quarterback Josh Rosen, Fitzgerald suggested he wants to see his return in 2019.
"[Rosen] is a great teammate. Really insightful. Just great to be around. And people like that usually find a way to be successful because they put the effort in... I think he's going to be just fine."
In his 15th NFL season, Fitzgerald put up 69 catches for 734 yards and six touchdown receptions. Despite leading his team, those numbers were some of his career's lowest.
He's hoping 2019 is a lot different.
COVER PHOTO: 247Sports
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