LAS VEGAS—One of the most breathtaking wide receivers in football history, Larry Fitzgerald’s catches at Pitt were described by Sports Illustrated as “mini-dramas in themselves, air ballets played out in full pads.”
Fitzgerald’s dramatic flair—as well as his phenomenal statistical production—earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame at the 66th National Football Foundation (NFF) Annual Awards Dinner, Presented by Las Vegas, yesterday.
More than 1,800 people attended, and countless more watched on ESPN+, as the star-studded 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class received college football’s ultimate honor. In total, 19 players and three coaches were inducted.
Selected in his first year of eligibility, Fitzgerald became the 25th man associated with Pitt elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
“It is a tremendous honor,” said Fitzgerald. “There is nothing greater than to be able to do something you truly love with your brothers and to be recognized, you know, in the highest way. All these men have done unbelievable things in their playing career, in their communities and paved the way for the next generation of players coming behind them.”
Despite playing only two collegiate seasons (2002-03), Fitzgerald left an indelible mark on Pitt and college football. In just 26 career games, he totaled 161 catches for 2,677 yards (16.6 avg.) and a Pitt-record 34 receiving touchdowns.
Fitzgerald caught a touchdown in an amazing 18 consecutive games to set an NCAA record. In total, he set or tied four NCAA marks, eight Big East Conference records and 11 Pitt marks.
“Larry Fitzgerald’s career at Pitt was absolutely unforgettable,” Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi said. “It’s not just the big plays he made, those gigantic catches, but it was the incredible class he displayed on and off the field. Personally, I will never forget him handing the ball to the officials after every touchdown. Pure class. Everyone at Pitt is so proud of Larry and offers their congratulations on his election to the College Football Hall of Fame.”
In 2003, he was a virtually unstoppable offensive weapon, compiling 92 catches for 1,672 yards (18.2 avg.) and 22 touchdowns. Facing double and even triple coverage each week,…
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