Larry's Back: Cardinals Say Fitzgerald Returning For 2018

PHOENIX, AZ – He's back. Larry Fitzgerald says that he is coming back for a 15th season in the NFL.

There had been speculation that the Cardinals' star receiver might retire, especially after head coach Bruce Arians announced earlier this year that he wouldn't be coming back.

Fitzgerald, who turns 35 in August, apparently wanted to see who the team would bring in and who that person would hire to assist.

He decided that the team's decision to hire Steve Wilks was a good one.

"I'm extremely excited," Wilks said Thursday morning on 98.7. "He's a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Couldn't be more excited to have Larry coming back next year.

"He is a pillar not only of this community but in the National Football League. What he represents, on and off the football field, is phenomenal."

The news was welcome by many – including one well-known, long-time Cards fan.

"Thrilled #Arizona will get to watch @Larry Fitzgerald lead the @AZCardinals next season – us old geezers have to stick together@ #BirdGang" tweeted John McCain.

While Fitzgerald will likely catch anything thrown his way, the team still needs to decide who will be throwing those passes. They have not yet settled on a replacement for Carson Palmer, who retired after last season.

By returning, Fitzgerald has a solid chance at moving into second place all-time for both receptions and yards.

He needs 92 catches and 390 yards – given his career performance, especially over the past three years, certainly well within reach.

Jerry Rice is solidly in first place in both categories.

Photo courtesy Arizona Cardinals.