After a stellar collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, Larry Fitzgerald was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2004 NFL Draft. Living up to expectations, Fitzgerald grabbed 58 passes for eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2004. He led the NFL in receptions in 2005, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. He finished the 2006 season with 69 receptions, firmly establishing himself as one of the most exciting playmakers in the league.

He and the Cardinals represented the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII, during which Fitzgerald caught two touchdown passes. Fitzgerald followed up this performance by catching two more touchdown passes in the 2009 Pro Bowl, earning him MVP honors.

Career information:
College: Pittsburgh
NFL Draft: 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3

Career NFL statistics (through 2009):
Receptions:  523
Receiving Yards:  7,067
Receiving TDs:  59

Career highlights and awards:
    * First-team All-America (2003)
    * Fred Biletnikoff Award (2003)
    * Paul Warfield Trophy (2003)
    * Walter Camp Award (2003)
    * 4-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)
    * 2-time First-team All-Pro selection (2008, 2009)
    * Pro Bowl MVP (2009)

STRENGTH WORKOUT

“It’s an even playing field when you step out there. The only thing that separates you is how hard you work and your ability. I work very hard in the off-season, that’s where you make your separation.”
– Larry

What you will need:

• Medicine ball     • Barbell and weights
• Adjustable straps with handles     • BOSU or balance ball

Plyometric Medicine Ball Pushup

Assume push-up position, with left hand on ground and right hand placed on top of medicine ball. Explode up into push-up and roll the ball into the opposite hand while body is in the air. Be sure to control movement as you fall back to starting position. For best results, use an 8–12 lb medicine ball, and place your arms as wide apart as possible.

Plyometric Plate Pushups

Start with a stack of 45 lb plates (or heavy books) to desired height and assume the standard starting push-up position just in front of the weights. Explode from starting position so that hands are above the top of the plate stack. Lightly tap the top of the stack when you go up, and control movement as you fall back to starting position.

Hang Cleans

Building explosive power in the lower body works to increase speed, whether it’s a quick start or outrunning defenders. Start with weight at waist level. Bend back slightly to generate motion, then lean forward slightly to an elevated seated position, still maintaining weight at waist level. Pull weight up to your chin while exploding off the ground. Finish with weight across your chest, feed wide apart and body in a seated position.

Snatch Squats

Start with the barbell above your head, with a wide hand position and wide foot stance. While maintaining balance of weight above your head, sink hips to a fully seated position. Be sure to keep your back straight. Then slowly rise from seated position to standing position, maintaining control of weight above your head.

Strap T-raises

Connect pull-up straps to chin-up bar. Position feet on a stabilizer ball and then lean back so that your body is at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Pull body up to a 90-degree angle to the floor while extending arms. For resting position, keep body at 90-degree angle to floor with arms fully extended.

“Eating often is key for football players. My schedule is super hectic. Off-season workouts, training camp, long practices, travel, games and off-field commitments make for a long year. What most people do not know is that it is common for a football player to lose weight during the season because of the amount of work we are doing. Losing too much weight reduces your effectiveness and competitive edge. That’s why it’s important that I continue to fuel my body often so I can perform at a high level.”
– Larry

 

Breakfast

Egg whites scrambled
Sausage links (3)
Whole wheat toast
Water

Pre workout.

Pro Science Reload (Betagen®)
Pro Science Armor (Muscle Armor™)

 

Post-Workout

Myoplex Original Shake
Fruit

 

Lunch

Flank steak with sweet potato
Brown rice
Vegetables
Water

 

Afternoon meal / snack

Myoplex Strength Formula Shake
Non-fat yogurt mixed with granola
Fruit

 

Dinner

Grilled salmon with lemon
Baked potato
Green beans
Water

 

Before bed

Myoplex Strength Formula Shake
Pro Science Armor (Muscle Armor™)