The Facts: Fitzgerald never formally announced his retirement from football. But at this point, it’s clear that the longtime Cardinals receiver isn’t coming back. “I had a great run. It was fun. I wouldn’t change anything,” Fitzgerald said recently, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. “I wish I could have delivered more for the Valley in terms of winning a championship, but that’s water under the bridge at this point.”

Diehards Line: At his age, Fitzgerald doesn’t seem to want to use the word “retirement” just because he’s stopped playing football. “I’m 38 years old,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m a long way from retirement. Yeah, a long way. ...” But the football portion of his career was remarkable. Fitzgerald's playing career ended with him second to only Jerry Rice on the league’s all-time list in receptions (1,432) and yards (17,492). He was an 11-time Pro Bowler, spending his entire 17-season career with the Cardinals. Fitzgerald said it’s not like his decision to walk away from the game happened abruptly. “You got to think, I played 17 years, I made a million connections, I was able to do everything that I ever wanted to do in terms of preparing to be able to make a smooth transition. ...” Fitzgerald has apparently done so. And his next stop in football will be Canton, Ohio to be enshrined among the game’s all-time greats.