Cardinals fall to Broncos 30-16, as Larry Fitzgerald’s No. 11 jersey is retired
GLENDALE, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Cardinals fell to the Denver Broncos 30-16 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, extending their franchise-record home losing streak to 10 games on a day where the focus was one of the greatest players in team history.
At halftime, legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was inducted into the Cardinals’ Ring of Honor, and the team officially retired his No. 11 jersey.
Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons in Arizona, finishing his NFL career second all-time in receptions and receiving yards. He also recorded 121 receiving touchdowns and helped lead the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance following the 2008 season.
The ceremony held special meaning for Fitzgerald, who said he never felt he received a proper farewell when he stepped away from football during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
"I've told people this would be probably a lot more emotional for me because it's home, it's where I live, it's with the people that I grew up with, you know." Fitzgerald said. "The Hall of Fame is like it's league wide, it's a lot of people that are in Canton. This will be a solely Cardinal experience which is authentic to my experience as a Cardinal only and so that's why it would mean so much to be out there."
On the field, Denver broke a 6-6 tie late in the second quarter when quarterback Bo Nix took off on a long touchdown run, giving the Broncos a 13-6 lead. Nix showcased his speed on the play, topping out at 19.9 miles per hour, finding open space and racing into the end zone untouched.
Denver added to its advantage in the second half when running back RJ Harvey broke free for a 52-yard touchdown reception, extending the Broncos’ lead.
Arizona responded in the third quarter when quarterback Jacoby Brissett connected with tight end Trey McBride for a touchdown. The score marked the Cardinals’ first touchdown of the game and cut into Denver’s lead.
However, the Cardinals were unable to mount a comeback, falling 30-16 and dropping to 2-5 on the season.
Following the game, Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur expressed his frustration with the team's performance while giving credit to Denver.
“It sucks. You hate losing. I hate playing not good football more than I hate losing, because good football usually can lead to wins,” LaFleur said. “I know we can play better than that.”
The Cardinals will look to bounce back on the road against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a visit to Seattle to take on the Seahawks, before returning to State Farm Stadium to host the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 15.
