Pro-Bowl wide receiver and future Hall of Famer larry fitzgerald was candid with the media during his first news conference of training camp yesterday on his retirement plans. Also, there was an update on the health of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and where talks are at on a contract extension between running back Devonta Freeman and the Atlanta Falcons.
Larry Fitzgerald says he won't 'shed tears'
When Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald was asked by reporters if this upcoming season would be his last, he avoided answering the question, only stating that: “I feel good right now.
When that changes, I'll let you know.” He then went on to say that if he does retire it will not be at a huge press conference behind a lectern with tears being shed. Fitzgerald emphasized that he is just “one player out of 1,600 in the National Football League," saying the moment when he does hang up his cleats would not be bigger than the NFL as a whole.
He also said that the quest for a Super Bowl ring is what keeps him coming back each year and that when he retires he still wants to be playing at a high level, not going out as someone who can't play anymore. Fitzgerald currently has 1,125 receptions (3rd all-time), 14,389 receiving yards (8th) and 104 receiving touchdowns (8th).
Teddy Bridgewater's status starting training camp
Yesterday was the first day of training camp for Minnesota Vikings rookies, with quarterbacks also coming in three days earlier to get in more work. Head coach Mike Zimmer says that he believes Teddy Bridgewater will start training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list but says the team will need to see him in order to make a full health evaluation.
Bridgewater suffered a major knee injury on August 30th and still faces a tedious recovery, with Sam Bradford heading into the season as the starting quarterback.
Extension talks between Freeman and Falcons
With the Atlanta Falcons' full team reporting for training camp on July 26th, general manager Thomas Dimitroff discussed the status of Devonta Freeman's contract extension with the media.
He said that the team's front office would be working hard this week with Freeman and his agent to complete a contract extension with the Pro Bowl running back. Freeman, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, is currently in the last year of his rookie contract that will pay him $1.8 million dollars this season.
