Irish Land Star WR Fitzgerald: Following in the Footsteps of NFL Legend Larry Fitzgerald

Class of 2026 wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald has made waves by committing to Notre Dame. This decision follows a standout junior season at Brophy Prep in Arizona, where he caught 52 passes for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. Fitzgerald’s impressive stats put him at ESPN’s 71st-ranked wide receiver prospect.

What makes his commitment even more notable is his family background. Devin is the son of Larry Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s all-time greats in receiving yards. This connection provides him with unique insights into the world of college football.

Devin emphasized the importance of his long-standing relationship with Notre Dame’s wide receivers coach, Mike Brown. He’s known Brown since childhood, and their bond helped cement his decision. Devin stated, “They really think I’m going to turn into a great player,” showing his confidence in Notre Dame’s vision for him.

The Fighting Irish’s recruitment has been steady since his freshman year. It wasn’t until May that Notre Dame extended a scholarship offer, joining other Power 5 schools that expressed interest in him. This strategic wait seems to have paid off, as he found a place he feels he belongs.

Looking back at Larry Fitzgerald’s journey, he was a standout at the University of Pittsburgh, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards in both of his college seasons. He also finished second in Heisman voting and took home the Biletnikoff Award in 2003. After being drafted third overall in 2004, he spent his entire NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, retiring with records that only few could rival.

Devin isn’t alone in his commitment. He joins a growing roster of players with NFL legacies at Notre Dame, including Thomas Davis’s son and Jermichael Finley’s son, both of whom have also committed to the team for 2026. This trend highlights Notre Dame’s appeal to players with strong football backgrounds.

As Devin prepares for this new chapter, the excitement around his potential is palpable. His story reflects a rich tradition of excellence at Notre Dame and the influence of NFL legacies shaping the future of college football. Recent statistics show that recruiting classes are increasingly dominated by legacy athletes, demonstrating the lasting impact of family connections in sports.

Devin’s journey is just beginning, and his decision to play for Notre Dame is sure to resonate within college football for years to come.



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