What Teams Did Larry Fitzgerald Play For

So, there I was, at this sports bar, watching the game, when this guy next to me starts going on about Larry Fitzgerald. I mean, he was practically worshipping the guy. "Larry this, Larry that," he'd say, like Fitzgerald was some kind of football god. Now, I've always been a fan, but this guy was next level. It got me thinking, though, "Just how many teams has Larry Fitzgerald played for?" I mean, the guy's a legend, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. So, let's dive in, shall we?

Larry Fitzgerald: A Cardinal Through and Through

Alright, let's start with the obvious. Larry Fitzgerald is a Arizona Cardinal. I mean, he's practically their mascot at this point. He's been with the team since he was drafted back in 2004. That's right, folks, we're talking about a career that's spanned nearly two decades. Can you believe it?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Sure, he's a Cardinal now, but what about before?" Well, hold your horses, because that's what we're about to find out.

Draft Day: The Beginning of a Legend

Picture this: It's 2004, and the NFL Draft is in full swing. The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock, and they've got their eyes on a wide receiver from the University of Pittsburgh. That's right, it's none other than Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals take him with the third overall pick, and the rest, as they say, is history.

But here's where things get interesting. You might think that Fitzgerald's NFL journey started and ended with the Cardinals, but you'd be wrong. Oh, so wrong.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Brief Stint

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wait a minute, didn't you just say Fitzgerald was drafted by the Cardinals?" Yes, yes I did. But here's the thing: Fitzgerald never actually played a game for the Steelers.

You see, in 2004, the Steelers traded their first-round pick (which would have been Fitzgerald) to the Cardinals in exchange for a second-round pick and a third-round pick in the 2005 draft. So, while Fitzgerald was technically a Steeler on paper, he never stepped foot on the field for them.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "That's not fair!" And you're right. It's not. But hey, that's the NFL for you. It's a ruthless business, folks.

Back to the Cardinals

Alright, so we've established that Fitzgerald's NFL career started with the Cardinals. But what about the end? Well, that's where things get a little tricky.

You see, Fitzgerald's contract with the Cardinals was up after the 2017 season. And for a moment there, it looked like he might retire. I mean, the guy had been playing for what felt like forever. But then, something amazing happened.

A Farewell Tour

In 2018, Fitzgerald signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals. But this wasn't just any contract. This was a farewell tour. Fitzgerald played one last season with his beloved Cardinals, and then, well, he just kind of... disappeared.

Ranking the 5 Best Arizona Cardinals Players of All Time

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what about the other teams he played for?" And that, my friends, is where things get a little... confusing.

Minor League Football: The Larry Fitzgerald Experience

Alright, so here's the thing. After Fitzgerald's farewell tour with the Cardinals, he didn't exactly retire. No, no, no. He went and joined the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which, if you didn't know, is a minor league football league.

Fitzgerald joined the AAF's Birmingham Iron for their inaugural season in 2019. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why on earth would Larry Fitzgerald join a minor league football team?" Well, folks, that's a question for the ages.

But here's the thing: Fitzgerald didn't just join the Iron to mess around. No, he joined to win. And win he did. The Iron finished the season with a 5-3 record, and Fitzgerald was named to the AAF's All-Arena Team.

But then, just as quickly as it had started, the AAF folded. And just like that, Larry Fitzgerald's minor league football career was over. But hey, at least he got to play some more football, right?

So, How Many Teams Has Larry Fitzgerald Played For?

Alright, so let's do a quick recap. Fitzgerald was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers but never played for them. He then spent 15 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. And finally, he spent one season with the Birmingham Iron in the AAF.

So, in total, Larry Fitzgerald has played for three teams in his illustrious career. Not bad for a guy who's been playing football for what feels like forever, huh?

And there you have it, folks. The story of Larry Fitzgerald's football career. It's been a wild ride, hasn't it? From the NFL to the AAF, Fitzgerald has done it all. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, the next time you're at a sports bar, and some guy starts going on about Larry Fitzgerald, you can join in the conversation. You know his football story better than most now, don't you?