Fitzgerald will leave Pitt and enter NFL draft

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald turned speculation into reality on Monday as he officially… Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald turned speculation into reality on Monday as he officially announced that he would forego his final two years of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Fitzgerald, who is expected to be among the first picks in the draft, said that the decision to turn pro was one that he and his father put a great deal of thought into.

“It was by no means a no-brainer,” Fitzgerald said. “It was something I really had to think about. It’s difficult to leave a place that’s been so supportive of [me] in everything [I’ve] done.”

Fitzgerald’s announcement came on the heels of the NFL declaring him eligible for the draft. The star receiver said that his decision was based on being able to make a good living for he and his family, and living out his childhood dream.

“The main reason people come to college is to better your chances at making a living,” Fitzgerald said. “I think that in my two years that I’ve had here I’ve given myself an opportunity to make a good living for myself and be able to support my family.”

“You get to live a dream,” Fitzgerald said of his future NFL career. “Since I was a child, that’s always something that I’ve wanted to do. I’ve slept with a football my entire life. Now that I have the opportunity to do that, it’s too hard to pass on.”

Critics might doubt that a 20-year-old can compete in the NFL, but it’s hard to deny the statistical achievements and awards Fitzgerald has accomplished in his two-year career at Pitt.

Fitzgerald has set eight Big East receiving records. He was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He was the first sophomore to ever win the Walter Camp Player of Year Award, he won the Biletnikoff award, and was a unanimous All-American.

During his announcement, Fitzgerald graciously thanked those who helped him get to where he is today. It is a bittersweet time for Fitzgerald as he is excited about the future, but feels bad about leaving behind those who care about him.

Although Fitzgerald will not finish out classes this semester, he does plan on getting his college degree.

“[Graduating is] a promise I made to my mother and a promise that I’ve got to keep for myself,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s something that’s respected in my family.”

Fitzgerald’s departure will leave an enormous void on Pitt’s offense. But head coach Walt Harris and his staff remain supportive of his decision.

“Larry Fitzgerald set new standards of excellence on and off the field,” Harris said. “Not only was he an unbelievable receiver, but he also set a great example of how players should respect the game. We wish him well in his next challenge and know he will be a special player on the next level.”