NFL Great Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. Will Receive 2024 Musial Award For Extraordinary Character
FITZGERALD JOINS BOB COSTAS AS HEADLINING HONOREES IN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF SPORTSMANSHIP
ST. LOUIS – Sept. 5, 2024 – Widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., modeled consistency, integrity, and class throughout his football playing career. Beyond the gridiron, Fitzgerald took those same traits into philanthropy and business, creating an enormous impact that is deserving of his recognition as the 2024 recipient of the Musial Award for Extraordinary Character. Fitzgerald will accept the honor at the Musial Awards presented by Maryville University on Nov. 23 at Stifel Theatre in St. Louis.
Over the course of his 17-year NFL career, the always-surehanded Fitzgerald amassed statistics and records that put him in an elite category. Like the award’s namesake, Stan Musial, Fitzgerald spent his entire pro career playing for the Cardinals, albeit the Arizona Cardinals. Also like Stan, Fitzgerald played with respect for the game and his opponents; he was a selfless teammate, and most of all, he is aware of the immense positive impact he could have on his community and beyond through his platform as a professional athlete.
“Larry exemplifies all that’s right in sports,” said Marc Schreiber, president of the St. Louis Sports Commission, which produces the Musial Awards. “A true class act, we admire the honorable way he played the game and his dedication to making an immense difference through his philanthropic efforts. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize Larry and celebrate the excellence, generosity, respect and goodwill he embodies.”
Never content to limit his impact to the football field, Fitzgerald launched The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation in just his second year as a pro. The foundation started in 2005 in honor of Larry’s mother Carol, who passed away as a result of breast cancer. Learning the importance and value in community service from his mother, Larry’s foundation has promoted numerous causes over the past two decades, primarily focusing on creating opportunities for young people to learn and thrive in safe and healthy environments and providing resources in underserved communities for families impacted by breast cancer. One of the foundation’s primary goals is to bridge the technology gap for students, making access to technology more equitable in underfunded communities.
Beyond football and philanthropy, Larry’s business mind and passion for technology and sports led to the founding of Larry Fitzgerald Enterprises, which invests in companies and organizations that enrich lives, embrace vitality, and foster a healthier planet. Larry is an investor in more than 160 companies across a broad array of interests with an aim to accelerate the growth and impact of companies that focus on sustainability, technology, and lifestyle.
The Musial Award for Extraordinary Character annually recognizes an individual who demonstrates remarkable class, perseverance, and overall sportsmanship. A unanimous selection to the College Football Hall of Fame (and likely inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame once eligible), Fitzgerald will join sports broadcasting hall of famer Bob Costas, who will be presented the 2024 Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award for Sportsmanship at the 2024 Musial Awards. Known as The Most Inspiring Night in Sports®, the Musials will be packaged into a one-hour special that airs throughout the country on CBS in December.
MUSIAL AWARDS TICKETS:
Tickets for the 2024 Musial Awards, ranging from $18 to $50, are on sale through Ticketmaster. In addition to individual awards show tickets, the Musial Awards offers a special Honoree Circle ticket, which includes a seat in the orchestra level, a pass to the Musial Awards After Party, and reserved parking for $160. All-inclusive packages and sponsorships are also available. More information and a link to purchase tickets is available at MusialAwards.com/tickets. Groups of 10 or more can take advantage of special group pricing by calling 314-345-5113.
Show time for the 2024 Musial Awards is 7 p.m.
MORE ON THE MUSIALS:
The Musial Awards presented by Maryville University is produced by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization. In addition to keeping Stan The Man’s legacy alive, the mission of the Musial Awards is to encourage kindness, selflessness, integrity and civility in sports and society – and to inspire people across the nation to be good sports. The event has occurred in St. Louis since 2005. Maryville University has served as the presenting sponsor since 2011. The school’s involvement, leadership and generosity have helped make the Musial Awards the most inspiring night in sports®.