Throughout his 17-year career, Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. appeared just twice on the NFL’s daily briefing of signings, releases, waivers and firings known as the Transaction Report: the day he was drafted, and the day he retired.

Which is appropriate. In all matters personal and professional, Larry is not a transactional guy. He’s a relationship guy. His roots run deep, both in Phoenix and his hometown of Minneapolis. His connection to the quarterbacks who tossed his 121 touchdown passes was fleeting compared to the bonds Larry has nurtured in the community and in business.

For his commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and class on and off the field, he is most worthy of the Musial Award for Extraordinary Character.

As a youngster, those traits were instilled by his father, Larry, a journalist, and his mom, Carol, an advocate for youth education, breast cancer support, and caring for those living with HIV/AIDS. He also soaked up lessons as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings, “an opportunity of a lifetime to be around Cris Carter, Warren Moon, Joey Browner, Randy Moss and Robert Smith,” Larry said in 2015. “To see their work ethic and dedication to their craft was really an eye-opening experience for a 14-year-old, 15-year-old.”

After two years at the University of Pittsburgh, Larry was drafted third overall in 2004 by the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent his entire career building an unparalleled resumé.

• He was the youngest player to reach 1,000 receptions.
• His 1,432 receptions and 17,492 yards rank second all-time in the league.
• A 3-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, Larry also was a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Yet even as a rookie, he was laying the groundwork for his philanthropy. To honor his mom following her death while being treated for cancer, he founded the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund. The organization funds research, awareness and resources for breast cancer patients and families, particularly in underserved communities. He later added the First Down Foundation, which supports programs for young people in Phoenix and Minnesota that focus on reading proficiency, after-school services, sports camps and bridging the technology gap. For this, he received the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Despite the gaudy stats and spectacular catches, Larry avoided showboating, preferring to simply hand the ball to the official. That small gesture of sportsmanship was just one hallmark of his respect for the game and made him the obvious recipient of the inaugural Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2014. He now serves as a judge, nominating finalists for the annual honor that is voted on by the players.

“I’ve never caught a touchdown by myself,” he said in accepting the award. “It’s the offensive line protecting the quarterback, the quarterback throwing the ball. It’s me doing my job. … So, I would be wrong to take singular credit for that.”

He still dabbles in sports, as an analyst for ESPN and cohost of the “Let’s GO!” podcast with Jim Gray and Tom Brady. A two-time winner of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Larry also works with PGA Reach, a program that Ozzie Smith helped found, to increase diversity in golf. He’s also a longtime chess aficionado and serves on the board of First Move Chess, which brings the game into the classroom and home for kids.

But much of his passion is directed to the corporate world, where Larry Fitzgerald Enterprises has invested in more than 150 companies focused on sustainability, technology and lifestyle. He also speaks to groups, ranging from youth camps to business executives, about the impact of mindset, mentorship, perseverance and community service, and relishes any opportunity “bringing people together, collaborating, or helping them with their confidence.”