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Larry Fitzgerald's Career Tackles: An Elite Defender

Trends January 15, 2025

How many tackles did Larry Fitzgerald make in his career?

Larry Fitzgerald is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Arizona Cardinals. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Despite being primarily a wide receiver, Fitzgerald also recorded 40 tackles during his career.

Fitzgerald's tackles were mostly made on special teams, where he was a key contributor as a gunner on the punt coverage unit. He was also known for his physicality and willingness to block downfield, which sometimes resulted in him making tackles on opposing defensive backs.

| Name | Position | Years Active | Tackles ||---|---|---|---|| Larry Fitzgerald | Wide Receiver | 2004-2020 | 40 |

While Fitzgerald's tackle numbers may not be as impressive as some other players, they are a testament to his versatility and willingness to contribute to his team in any way possible. He was a true team player who was always willing to do whatever it took to win.

Larry Fitzgerald Career Tackles

Larry Fitzgerald, a legendary wide receiver, also contributed to his team's defense with tackles. Here are six key aspects of his career tackles:

Number: 40 tackles
Position: Wide receiver
Unit: Special teams
Role: Gunner
Physicality: Willing blocker
Team player: Contributed in any way possible

Fitzgerald's tackles, though not as numerous as some defensive players, showcased his versatility and dedication to the team. His physicality and willingness to block downfield often resulted in tackles on opposing defensive backs. As a gunner on the punt coverage unit, he was a key contributor on special teams, making tackles to prevent returns and protect his team's field position.

Fitzgerald's career tackles serve as a reminder that even star players are willing to contribute in any way they can to help their team win. His tackles may not have been the most glamorous part of his game, but they were an important part of his overall impact on the field.

1. Number

In his 17-season NFL career, Larry Fitzgerald recorded a total of 40 tackles. This number may seem relatively low for a player of his stature, but it is important to consider the context of his position and role on the team.

Special teams contributor: Fitzgerald was primarily a wide receiver, but he also made significant contributions on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit. Gunners are responsible for chasing down the returner and making tackles to prevent big returns. Fitzgerald's 40 tackles came primarily in this role.
Physicality and willingness to block: Fitzgerald was known for his physicality and willingness to block downfield, which sometimes resulted in tackles on opposing defensive backs. This was not a primary part of his role, but it demonstrates his versatility and commitment to helping his team in any way possible.
Team player: Fitzgerald was a true team player who was always willing to do whatever it took to win. Even though he was one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL, he was not afraid to get down and dirty on special teams and make tackles.
Comparison to other wide receivers: It is worth noting that 40 tackles is a relatively high number for a wide receiver. Most wide receivers are not asked to make tackles on a regular basis, so Fitzgerald's total is a testament to his toughness and versatility.

Overall, Larry Fitzgerald's 40 career tackles may not be the most impressive statistic on his resume, but they are a reminder of his all-around game and willingness to contribute to his team in any way possible.

2. Position

Larry Fitzgerald's position as a wide receiver had a significant impact on his career tackles. Wide receivers are typically not asked to make tackles, as their primary responsibility is to catch passes and gain yards. However, Fitzgerald was a versatile and willing blocker, and he often made tackles on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.

Fitzgerald's physicality and willingness to block downfield also contributed to his tackle total. He was not afraid to put his body on the line to make a block, and this sometimes resulted in tackles on opposing defensive backs. While this was not a primary part of his role, it demonstrates his toughness and commitment to helping his team in any way possible.

Overall, Fitzgerald's position as a wide receiver did not prevent him from making tackles. In fact, his versatility and willingness to contribute on special teams and as a blocker made him a valuable asset to his team. He was a true team player who was always willing to do whatever it took to win.

3. Unit

Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles are closely connected to his role on special teams. While he was primarily a wide receiver, Fitzgerald was also a key contributor on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit. This role involved chasing down the returner and making tackles to prevent big returns.

Fitzgerald's physicality and willingness to block downfield made him a valuable asset on special teams. He was not afraid to put his body on the line to make a tackle, and he often made key stops that prevented the opposing team from gaining good field position. In fact, of his 40 career tackles, the majority came on special teams.

Overall, Fitzgerald's role on special teams was an important part of his overall impact on the game. His tackles helped to prevent big plays and give his team a better chance to win.

4. Role

As mentioned earlier, Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles are closely tied to his role as a gunner on the punt coverage unit. This role involves chasing down the returner and making tackles to prevent big returns. Fitzgerald's physicality and willingness to block downfield made him a valuable asset in this role.

Tackling ability: As a gunner, Fitzgerald was responsible for making tackles on the returner. His tackling ability was crucial in preventing big returns and giving his team good field position.
Physicality: Fitzgerald was not afraid to put his body on the line to make a tackle. He was a physical player who was willing to sacrifice his body to help his team.
Willingness to block: In addition to making tackles, gunners are also responsible for blocking downfield. Fitzgerald was a willing blocker who was not afraid to get in the way of opposing players.
Team player: Fitzgerald was a true team player who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team win. His willingness to play on special teams and make tackles is a testament to his commitment to the team.

Overall, Fitzgerald's role as a gunner was an important part of his overall impact on the game. His tackles helped to prevent big plays and give his team a better chance to win.

5. Physicality

Larry Fitzgerald's physicality and willingness to block downfield contributed significantly to his career tackles. As a wide receiver, Fitzgerald was not typically asked to make tackles, but his physicality and blocking ability made him a valuable asset on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.

Tackling ability: Fitzgerald's physicality and tackling ability allowed him to make tackles on the returner, preventing big returns and giving his team good field position.
Physicality: Fitzgerald was not afraid to put his body on the line to make a tackle. He was a physical player who was willing to sacrifice his body to help his team.
Willingness to block: In addition to making tackles, gunners are also responsible for blocking downfield. Fitzgerald was a willing blocker who was not afraid to get in the way of opposing players.
Team player: Fitzgerald was a true team player who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team win. His willingness to play on special teams and make tackles is a testament to his commitment to the team.

Overall, Fitzgerald's physicality and willingness to block downfield were important factors in his career tackles. His ability to make tackles and block downfield helped to prevent big plays and give his team a better chance to win.

6. Team player

Larry Fitzgerald's dedication to being a team player extended beyond his role as a wide receiver. He was always willing to contribute in any way possible, including making tackles on special teams.

Special teams contributor: Fitzgerald was a key contributor on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt coverage unit. This role involved chasing down the returner and making tackles to prevent big returns. Fitzgerald's willingness to play on special teams and make tackles is a testament to his commitment to the team.
Physicality and willingness to block: Fitzgerald was not afraid to put his body on the line to make a tackle. He was a physical player who was willing to sacrifice his body to help his team. This physicality and willingness to block downfield also contributed to his tackle total.
Versatility: Fitzgerald was a versatile player who was able to contribute in a variety of ways. In addition to his role as a wide receiver and special teams contributor, Fitzgerald was also a capable blocker. His versatility made him a valuable asset to his team.
Leadership: Fitzgerald was a leader on and off the field. He was a respected veteran who was always willing to help his teammates. His leadership helped to create a positive team culture and contributed to the team's success.

Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles are a testament to his commitment to being a team player. He was always willing to do whatever it took to help his team win, even if it meant playing a role that was not typically associated with his position.

FAQs About Larry Fitzgerald Career Tackles

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles.

Question 1: How many tackles did Larry Fitzgerald make in his career?

Larry Fitzgerald recorded a total of 40 tackles in his 17-season NFL career.

Question 2: What position did Larry Fitzgerald play?

Larry Fitzgerald primarily played the position of wide receiver.

Question 3: On what special teams unit did Larry Fitzgerald make most of his tackles?

Fitzgerald made the majority of his tackles as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.

Question 4: Why did Larry Fitzgerald make tackles despite being a wide receiver?

Fitzgerald was a physical and versatile player who was willing to contribute in any way possible, including making tackles on special teams.

Question 5: What impact did Larry Fitzgerald's tackles have on his team?

Fitzgerald's tackles helped to prevent big plays and give his team better field position.

In summary, Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles, though not as numerous as some defensive players, are a testament to his versatility, physicality, and commitment to being a team player.

Proceed to the next section for more insights into Larry Fitzgerald's career.

Larry Fitzgerald Career Tackles

Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles, though not as numerous as some defensive players, are a testament to his versatility, physicality, and commitment to being a team player. Despite being primarily a wide receiver, Fitzgerald made 40 tackles during his 17-season NFL career, primarily on special teams as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.

Fitzgerald's willingness to contribute in any way possible, including making tackles on special teams, is a reminder that even star players are willing to do whatever it takes to help their team win. His tackles may not have been the most glamorous part of his game, but they were an important part of his overall impact on the field.

Larry Fitzgerald's career tackles serve as an example of the dedication and versatility required to succeed in the NFL. His willingness to go above and beyond his primary role as a wide receiver is a testament to his character and his commitment to the game of football.