AZ Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald Invests In, Partly Owns Phoenix Suns

ARIZONA — Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, now owns a minority stake in the Phoenix Suns NBA franchise, Suns owner Robert Sarver announced Wednesday.

Sarver, a longtime friend of Fitzgerald, told NBA.com, “Larry has been a great ambassador for our organization for years. He is an Arizona icon and a businessman, passionate philanthropist and leader. He brings a unique perspective from outside basketball but still grounded in sport, and we welcome him as a valued partner and investor.”

Fitzgerald will advise the WNBA Phoenix Mercury team as well as the Suns in his new role. “I have a special place in my heart for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, and I have a great deal of respect for Robert,” Fitzgerald told NBA.com. “He has become a dear friend and a trusted confidante. He is a big part of why I am making this commitment.”

Fitzgerald, often seen at Phoenix Suns games courtside, recently signed on for a 17th season playing for the Cardinals. He holds several of the Cardinals’ all-time records in receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, receptions, 100-yard receiving games, total touchdowns and consecutives games with a reception.

When it comes to career receiving yards, Fitzgerald is ranked number 2 in NFL history and sixth in the league for touchdown receptions at 120. He also landed a spot in December on the league’s 100 All-Time Team.

Fitzgerald is also a philanthropist who started The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund in 2005. The Fund supports finding a cure for breast cancer, along with breast cancer prevention, and promotes K-12 classroom success. The new Suns investor also brings the Phoenix metro valley yearly events such as Fitz’s Supper Club and a celebrity softball game. He co-received the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which rewards sports excellence and community service efforts.

Fitzgerald is one of two current NFL players who own part of an NBA team, azcardinals.com reported. The other is Aaron Rodgers, Packers quarterback, who owns part of the Milwaukee Bucks.