Larry Fitzgerald’s impact goes beyond football. Through the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, he honors his late mother by supporting breast cancer initiatives and empowering underserved youth through education, after-school programs, and sports.
Now in its 15th year, Fitz’s Supper Club unites top athletes and leaders to fuel these efforts. With the event happening later this month, PVCL’s Nadine Bubeck sat down with the legend to discuss his passion for philanthropy and the power of investing in the community.
Fifteen years of the Supper Club—what does that milestone mean to you?
“It’s humbling, but this isn’t about me. It’s about the community that continues to show up and support us. Without them, we wouldn’t have made it to year 10, let alone 15. It’s a testament to the partnerships we’ve built and the generosity of those who believe in our mission.”
Your foundation was inspired by the loss of your mother. If she were here today, what do you think she would say?
“She’d tell me to keep pushing, to keep improving. That was just who she was—never satisfied, always looking to make things better, more efficient, more impactful. That’s exactly what we try to do each year. If last year was great, how can we raise the bar this year? The more we grow, the more we can give back to the people and organizations we serve.”
Do you carry your mother’s memory with you daily?
“Every single day. I keep her last driver’s license in my wallet—it never leaves me. It’s my reminder of why I do this. My mom had a heart like no other. She had an endless capacity for kindness, and I hope I carry even a fraction of that with me.”
You’ve been involved in philanthropy for years. Is there a moment that stands out?
“There have been a lot of great moments, but I think about what we’ve been able to accomplish this past year. Through our ‘Breast Believe’ campaign, we’ve provided over 470 mammograms. We’ve installed technology labs in 100 different locations. Those are real, tangible impacts. And we’re just getting started. I’ll be even happier when we hit that 1,000 mammogram mark.”
What’s a story from your foundation’s work that sticks with you?
“We took about 100 kids to a NASCAR event a few months ago. Most of them expected just loud, fast cars—but they walked away with a completely different perspective. They saw the science behind it, how everything from tire rotations to gas changes is calculated through algorithms and technology. That’s the kind of experience I want to give kids—opening doors to things they never imagined.”
As a father, what do you hope to instill in your own children and the kids you impact?
“Confidence. Self-belief. There’s so much divisiveness in the world, but I want kids to know that if they work hard, anything is possible. Whether they want to be a doctor, lawyer, athlete, musician—whatever it is—it’s attainable. And it’s up to organizations like ours to rally behind them and show them what’s possible.”
Your son is a junior in high school and plays football. What’s your biggest piece of advice for him?
“Enjoy it. So many kids are in a rush to get to the next level, but there’s something pure about high school sports—playing for your teammates, for the love of the game, before it becomes a business. I tell him to soak it all in, because once you move up, it gets a lot more competitive and transactional.”
How did your own football career shape your passion for philanthropy?
“My mom had me doing service work before I ever picked up a football. It wasn’t optional—she’d drag my brother and me to all of her philanthropic events. It just became part of who we were as a family. So when I made it to the NFL and had a platform, I knew I had a responsibility to use it for something bigger than myself. Now, I try to bring my own kids to our activations so they grow up the same way.”
Let’s talk about the Supper Club, an exclusive event at Dominick’s and your biggest fundraiser of the year.
“You never really know who’s going to show up until they hit the red carpet. It's always an incredible group.”
What’s harder—prepping for a big NFL game or hosting the Supper Club?
“Totally different. Football is important, but at the end of the day, after the game is over, those fighting breast cancer are still sick, those kids in under-resourced schools still need support. The work we do through the foundation is 24/7, and that puts everything into perspective.”
Who’s on your dream guest list for the Supper Club?
“If had to pick someone, I’d love to have some former teammates—Budda Baker, James Conner, Trey McBride. Those guys mean a lot to me.”
What’s on the menu at the Supper Club?
“I love the superfood salad, crispy shrimp and the rib cap, medium—it comes on a hot plate so you can keep it cooking. And for dessert, the caramel cake.”
What do you want to tell kids dreaming of a career in sports?
“Follow your heart, but know it’s not easy. It takes time, dedication, and a lot of setbacks. It’s a tough road, but if it’s what you love, it’s worth every step.”
What’s on your playlist right now?
“Been listening to Summer Walker’s new release on repeat.”
You’ve had an incredible career in football and philanthropy. What do you consider your biggest win?
“I hope it’s still ahead of me. That’s what keeps me motivated—knowing there’s still more work to be done, more impact to be made.”
thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org