Larry Fitzgerald never played with Pat Tillman.

But the Cardinals drafted Fitzgerald a day after the terrible news Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan, a link that would continue as Fitzgerald's legendary 17-year career that included a ton of community involvement -- including multiple efforts at Pat's Run, the centerpiece event for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

On Thursday night in Chicago -- on what would've been Tillman's 49th birthday -- the Pat Tillman Foundation cemented that link by naming Fitzgerald their 2025 recipient of The Champion Award. Fitzgerald was honored for his dedication to veterans and the military community, as well as his connection to the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The Champion Award, according to the Foundation, "honors Pat's legacy and belief that we should always strive to be part of something bigger than ourselves, by recognizing those whose remarkable civic contributions, extraordinary fortitude, and spirit of service inspire us to be better every day."

The Cardinals and the NFL were the 2024 recipient. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill was on hand Thursday as Fitzgerald received the award.

"His legacy motivated me to raise my ambitions and embrace the elevated expectation that Pat established for the Cardinals," Fitzgerald said in his acceptance speech. "Initially, I believed my role was just simply contribute to the football team. However, I soon recognized the standard set by Pat was far greater, challenging me to not only elevate my commitment but to honor his enduring example."

The ceremony on Thursday also honored the many Tillman scholars helped through the Foundation, as well as other award winners.