PITTSBURGH —

Former Pitt star Larry Fitzgerald is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Fitzgerald third overall in 2004, and he spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the Cardinals. Fitzgerald ranks second all-time in receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,392), and he is sixth in receiving touchdowns (121). Advertisement

Widely considered a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Fitzgerald took a big step toward that when he was named one of 26 modern-era semifinalists Tuesday.

But being a semifinalist is far from a gold jacket guarantee.

Just ask Hines Ward. The former Steelers receiver is also a semifinalist for the Class of 2026. It's his 10th time reaching this stage of the process.

Why do Fitzgerald's cre

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