Larry Fitzgerald simply said what everyone had been thinking.
Standing at the podium Sunday at State Farm Stadium, his number retired and his name now officially on display within the Cardinals Ring of Honor, he let those watching know he had something to tell the home crowd.
"There's something I want to get off my chest," the Hall of Fame wide receiver said. "I know many of you were disappointed I left without saying a proper goodbye. I want to say I'm sorry.
"It was 2020, families were suffering (because of Covid), the world had a lot of uncertainty, and celebrating my career felt insignificant. But time has a way of adding perspective. In trying not to make the moment about myself, I forgot something very important. This belongs to all of us. So let's do it right today."
At halftime of the game between the Cardinals and Broncos, Fitzgerald's name was unveiled on the east side of the stadium behind the visitors sideline, between fellow honorees Pat Tillman and Roger Wehrli.
His number was officially retired, although the team wasn't going to give it to anyone since Fitzgerald last took off his jersey. Fitzgerald also received his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, after his induction there in August.
As Fitzgerald got on the field, the famous "LAR-RY, LAR-RY" chant was heard, drawing a smile from the longtime Cardinal.
"Hearing that chant still has the hair on my arms standing up," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald thanked teammates. He thanked fans, especially over the memories of the 2008 Super Bowl season and the 2015 NFC Championship game season, for bringing the energy and vibe to those teams.
He thanked the Bidwill family, noting that it was his "sincere hope" that he and the family could find "things" in the future with which they could work together.
But as he wound down this day that seemed inevitable more than a decade ago, Fitzgerald started choking up as he addressed the Cardinals fans one more time.
"Arizona, you gave me something far more than a career. You gave me a home," he said.
"I started here. I wanted to finish here. And now, my name gets to stay here. I'll be a Cardinal forever."
Photos through the years of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week.
(From left) Owner Bill Bidwill, Larry Fitzgerald and coach Dennis Green after Fitzgerald was drafted in 2004.
Larry Fitzgerald's first catch in the NFL in St. Louis in 2004.
Larry Fitzgerald catches a pass during 2010 training camp in Flagstaff.
Larry Fitzgerald makes the game-winning TD catch in Miami during his 2004 rookie season.
Larry Fitzgerald and son Devin during an autograph signing at FanFest in 2010.
A happy Larry Fitzgerald after the Cardinals won the NFC title.
Cardinals Pro Bowlers pose on Super Bowl media day in 2008. From left to right, Adrian Wilson, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Sean Morey.
Kurt Warner hugs Larry Fitzgerald during a press conference after the NFC Championship in 2008.
Larry Fitzgerald (11) and DeAndre Hopkins mug for the camera in 2020 training camp.
Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a TD in Seattle in 2019.
Larry Fitzgerald and a tiny fellow football player in Detroit in 2015.
(From left) Ron Wolfley, Larry Fitzgerald, Paul Calvisi and Michael Bidwill are interviewed before the All Or Nothing premiere in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald and Bruce Arians share a hug after Arians' final game as Cardinals coach in 2017.
Larry Fitzgerald celebrates a touchdown in the 2008 NFC Championship.
Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk celebrate a touchdown in 2019.
Larry Fitzgerald and NHL star Shane Doan speak before a game in 2010.
Larry Fitzgerald does some sand surfing on vacation circa 2007.
Larry Fitzgerald and Kliff Kingsbury share a laugh during training camp in 2019.
Larry Fitzgerald and owner Bill Bidwill after the Cardinals won the NFC Championship in 2008.
Larry Fitzgerald breaks away for his 64-yard touchdown in the Super Bowl 43.
Larry Fitzgerald lets out his emotion during a game against the Seahawks in 2012.
Larry Fitzgerald and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice share pregame thoughts in 2019.
Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals link arms for the anthem before a game in 2017.
Larry Fitzgerald and Tyrann Mathieu have some fun before a preseason game in San Diego in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald at NFL Honors following the 2016 season after winning NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Larry Fitzgerald breaks free on his long catch-and-run in overtime against the Packers in the 2015 playoffs.
Larry Fitzgerald celebrates with DeAndre Hopkins after the Hail Murray in 2020.
Larry Fitzgerald and Terrell Owens during an OTA in 2019.
Larry Fitzgerald comes out on the field in Sun Devil Stadium before a game in his rookie season in 2004.
Larry Fitzgerald drags teammate Andre Roberts on a bungee cord during an offseason workout in 2012.
Larry Fitzgerald makes a diving catch against the Lions in 2013.
Larry Fitzgerald drives a segway around during training camp in Flagstaff.
Larry Fitzgerald meets the media in the week before the 2008 NFC Championship
Larry Fitzgerald (11) shakes hands with Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill as Fitzgerald gets his framed Pro Bowl jersey before a training camp practice in 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald grabs a touchdown against the Texans in 2010.
Larry Fitzgerald gets jersey help from teammate Adrian Peterson before a London practice in 2017.
Larry Fitzgerald hauls in a one-handed catch against the Seahawks in 2008.
Larry Fitzgerald drives a speedboat on the lake behind his Minnesota house in 2012.
Larry Fitzgerald hurdles a defender during a 2017 game against the Buccaneers.
Larry Fitzgerald visits the pyramids on vacation early in his career, circa 2007.
Larry Fitzgerald makes a diving catch at an OTA in 2015.
Larry Fitzgerald makes an amazing facemask catch in Oakland during a 2011 preseason game.
Larry Fitzgerald plays flag football during Kurt Warner's annual tournament in 2014.
Larry Fitzgerald makes a one-handed grab in Minnesota in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald Makes his 1,282nd catch as a Cardinal to set an NFL record with one team, against the Lions in 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald makes the catch to pass Tony Gonzalez for No. 2 all-time in the NFL.
Larry Fitzgerald has some fun with reporters after a game in 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald makes the final touchdown catch of his career in 2020.
Larry Fitzgerald meets a soldier during a 2009 trip to the Middle East.
Larry Fitzgerald on a pair of iconic Sports Illustrated covers.
Larry Fitzgerald snares a Pro Bowl touchdown in 2009.
Larry Fitzgerald during the rainy final practice of the 2019 season.
Larry Fitzgerald meets with fans after his final live Big Red Rage appearance in 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald poses with the NFC Championship trophy during the Cardinals' ring ceremony prior to 2009 training camp.
Larry Fitzgerald warms up before a game in 2004.
Larry Fitzgerald races for an 80-yard touchdown in 2014. against the Eagles.
Larry Fitzgerald reaches for a pass during training camp in Flagstaff in 2011.
Larry Fitzgerald scores his first Super Bowl touchdown.
Larry Fitzgerald wins a Pro Bowl MVP trophy in 2009.
Larry Fitzgerald scores the 100th touchdown of his career against the Patriots in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald speaks to reported at Super Bowl media day.
Larry Fitzgerald taking part in Pat's Run in Tempe.
Larry Fitzgerald talks with announcers Troy Aikman and Joe Buck before a game in 2016.
Larry Fitzgerald throws his lone NFL touchdown pass, against the Rams in 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald scores the winning touchdown against the Packers in the 2015 playoffs.
Larry Fitzgerald walks out to practice during Super Bowl week in 2008.
Larry Fitzgerald with a young Cardinals fan in 2013.
Larry Fitzgerald blows kisses before jogging off the field after the final home game of his career, in 2020.
