There's no doubt that the current political climate in America, which includes charges of racism against President Trump and other prominent public and private figures, is tumultuous, to say the least.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has rarely been one to dive into the political arena. Even though he was a good friend of late Arizona Senator John McCain and has been golfing with former President Obama, Fitzgerald generally prefers to avoid political discussions, preferring instead to make a difference by serving within the community. For example, when asked two years ago whether he has an opinion about NFL player protests during the national anthem, Fitzgerald simply responded, "No. Not really."
On Thursday, before the Cardinals' first day of practice at training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Fitzgerald was asked by ABC15 sports director Craig Fouhy: With the current political climate, including charges of racism being thrown about, how do you handle that as a football player and an African-American?
"(There's) a lot going on right now. But I'm not a politician, never want to be one," he said. "I just try to do my part in my communities wherever I'm at, try to be positive, and try to influence as many people in the right way as I possibly can."
Case in point: Last weekend Fitzgerald was honored by a foundation in his home state of Minnesota that helps people around the world hear better, and often hear for the first time. It's just one of many philanthropic endeavors that Fitzgerald has undertaken during his 15-plus years in the NFL.
"You're not going to change the rhetoric too often," Fitzgerald said. "But you just lead by example."
