The NFL has plenty of father-son duos who’ve made their mark on football, from the Mannings to the Watt brothers. College football sees even more of these family connections, though most never make it to the pros.
Devin Fitzgerald, son of NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, just announced where he’ll play college ball and got an emotional send-off from his Hall of Fame-bound father.
Larry Fitzgerald’s Heartfelt Message After Son Commits to Notre Dame
Picking a college is huge for any high school player, but when your dad caught passes in the NFL for 17 years, the spotlight burns a little brighter. Devin had options and plenty of them.
The younger Fitzgerald chose Notre Dame, the same program that made the College Football Playoff Championship last season before falling to Ohio State. While he didn’t follow his father to the University of Pittsburgh, Larry couldn’t have been prouder of the decision. The elder Fitzgerald took to social media with a message that hit right in the feels.
“I’m so proud of the young man you’re becoming. Watching you grow, learn, and find your way has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Your college decision is just the beginning of what’s ahead. It won’t always be easy. You’ll be pushed and challenged in ways you can’t fully see yet, but that’s where real growth happens,” Fitzgerald wrote on his X account.
.@devinfitz118, I’m so proud of the young man you’re becoming. Watching you grow, learn, and find your way has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Your college decision is just the beginning of what’s ahead. It won’t always be easy. You’ll be pushed and… pic.twitter.com/coSplnwHqM
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) July 6, 2025
Devin earned his shot the hard way. The three-star wide receiver from Brophy Prep put together a monster 2024 season that had college coaches calling. He hauled in 81 catches for 1,432 yards, numbers that speak for themselves when you’re trying to get noticed.
Why Devin Fitzgerald Chose the Fighting Irish Over 16 Other Schools
Those stats landed him 17 scholarship offers for the 2026 recruiting class. Programs across the country wanted the son of one of the NFL’s most respected players, but Notre Dame’s pitch won out. The Fighting Irish have built something special under coach Marcus Freeman, and adding a receiver with Fitzgerald’s bloodlines only strengthens their recruiting momentum.
The kid has the hands and route-running ability that made his father famous. But what stands out most is how Fitzgerald Sr. has handled his son’s recruitment. There was no pushing, no pressure, just pure support for whatever decision Devin made.
Larry Fitzgerald Son Devin Fitzgerald made an incredible catch tonight.
You love to see it. pic.twitter.com/UAhgmMStaF
— Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) November 15, 2024
“I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished so far, but I’m even more proud of the man you’re becoming through the process. Always stay true to who you are. Lean into the tough moments, those are what shape you far more than the easy ones ever will. Your strength, your heart, and your determination will carry you wherever you want to go,” the ex-Cardinals star added in his message.
The Legacy Larry Fitzgerald Built for His Son to Follow
When people talk about the greatest receivers in NFL history, Larry’s name always comes up. His 17,492 receiving yards rank second all-time behind only Jerry Rice’s 22,895. Add in 121 touchdown catches, 1432 receptions, one First-Team All-Pro selection, and two Second-Team honors, and you’ve got a resume that screams ‘Hall of Fame.’
But Fitzgerald’s real legacy might be how he carried himself. He was never a diva, never a problem in the locker room, just a professional who showed up and did his job at the highest level for 17 seasons. Devin grew up watching that example, and it shows in how he’s handled his own recruitment.
The younger Fitzgerald won’t have to live up to his father’s NFL numbers, but he’s already learned the most important lesson: how to be a good teammate and a better person. Notre Dame is getting more than just a talented receiver.
