Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed that he has tried to recruit Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest legends in NFL history, 15 times throughout his career.
This surprising statement not only highlights Reid’s admiration for the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver but also his desire to have one of the best players in league history on his team.
Reid’s 15 Attempts to Sign Fitzgerald
In a recent interview, Reid enthusiastically shared, “I’ve tried to hire Larry 15 different times, even when he was out of the league for a year, I begged him to come back. Come on, come here.”
Fitzgerald, who spent 17 seasons in the NFL, all with the Arizona Cardinals, is considered one of the most complete receivers in history. Over his career, he posted nine seasons with over 1,000 yards,
including an impressive streak of five consecutive seasons between 2007 and 2011. His best season came in 2008, when he finished with 96 receptions, 1,431 yards, and 12 touchdowns, helping the Cardinals reach Super Bowl XLIII.
Although Arizona lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fitzgerald made an unforgettable impact during that postseason, accumulating 30 receptions, 546 yards, and 7 touchdowns in the playoffs.
Fitzgerald has earned the respecto of the NFL
Throughout his career, Fitzgerald has earned the respect not only of his teammates and coaches but also of the league in general, becoming a benchmark for wide receivers in the NFL.
For this reason, it is highly likely he will be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, which will be in 2026. Fitzgerald ended his career with the second-most receptions and receiving yards in NFL history, placing him among the all-time greats.
As for Reid, he has always been a staunch advocate of Fitzgerald, acknowledging that his skills could have been a tremendous asset to any team, including the Chiefs.
Although they never had the chance to work together, the mutual respect between the two is evident. In this sense, their professional relationship serves as a reminder of how the NFL’s top talents are always recognized by the league’s most respected coaches.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs currently hold a 9-1 record, having suffered their first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bills in a game at Orchard Park.
Despite the loss, Kansas City remains one of the favorites to go deep into the playoffs, led by the talented Patrick Mahomes.