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Mom's memory motivates local Heisman candidate
by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio
November 13, 2003

The biggest boosters at football games for Holy Angels High School in Minneapolis in 2000 were Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s father, Larry Sr., and his mother, Carol, who died in early 2003. (Photo courtesy of Larry Fitzgerald Sr.)

Minneapolis, Minn. — This year the spectacular plays and inspired performances of a Minnesotan are changing the race for college football's top award -- the Heisman Trophy. Larry Fitzgerald Jr., is playing wide receiver so well at the University of Pittsburgh that those who vote for the Heisman simply can't ignore him. Anyone watching can see that the sophomore belongs with the quarterbacks and running backs who usually get the most attention for the award.

Three years ago the only people watching Fitzgerald Jr.'s games at Holy Angels High School in Minneapolis were his family and friends.

	Larry Fitzgerald Sr.

Cheering at those games were his father -- Larry Fitzgerald Sr. -- who's a local sportswriter and radio host, and his wife, Carol. Both stressed education to Larry Jr., and his younger brother, Marcus.

In April Carol died after battling breast cancer for years. Larry Jr.'s inspired play this year has him riding a 15-game streak of scoring at least one touchdown, a college football record he hopes to extend against West Virginia.

His dad never misses a game, but did take a few minutes with MPR's Cathy Wurzer before leaving town. He says Carol's death has affected their son in many ways.

Listen to the interview by clicking the audio link.

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