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That\u2019s the experience that Fitzgerald can share with Harrison as he navigates the beginning of his own NFL career. The two haven\u2019t been in regular contact, but Fitzgerald estimates they\u2019ve talked \u201cfive or six times\u201d over the past year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he ever needs anything, I told him, I’m always available for him any way I can be helpful,\u201d Fitzgerald said. \u201cBut fortunately he has a father who was a heck of a lot better than I was so he can tap into him whenever he likes.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an inconsistent rookie year, Harrison paired tantalizing peaks with prolonged quiet stretches. He finished with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. In contrast to the explosive rookie seasons produced by receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., those numbers appeared pedestrian.<\/p>\n
But even if the two haven\u2019t built a close bond, Fitzgerald considers himself an admirer of Harrison\u2019s play.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI saw a guy who made a lot of plays,\u201d Fitzgerald said. \u201cHe did a really good job. When the ball came to him, he made his plays. He’s only gonna continue to get better so I’m excited to see his Year 2.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fitzgerald understands the learning curve better than most. As a rookie, he finished with 58 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns \u2014 similar numbers to Harrison across the board. The next year, he broke out with 103 catches for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting the path for his Hall of Fame career.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray \u2018means everything to us\u2019<\/p>\n
Fitzgerald\u2019s comments about Harrison came on May 17 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, where he served as an assistant coach in Kyler Murray\u2019s inaugural charity celebrity softball game.<\/p>\n
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The event brought together a collection of stars that extended far beyond the Valley. Cowboys receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens both participated, as did a handful of NBA players, including former Suns fan favorite Cam Johnson. Gary Payton, the Hall of Fame point guard, coached alongside Fitzgerald.<\/p>\n
![\"Arizona](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/4f014ae97cc19aa57dc0119b6dd88942.jpeg\"\/)
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon chats on the field before Kyler Murray’s celebrity softball game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, on May 17, 2025.<\/p>\n
Murray\u2019s team, though, largely consisted of the Cardinals\u2019 biggest names \u2014 players like Harrison, Trey McBride, James Conner and Budda Baker.<\/p>\n
The event also brought together members of the organization who weren\u2019t participating. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork were all on the field pregame. Recently drafted rookies milled around, chatting with their new teammates.<\/p>\n
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To Gannon, it was a reflection of the bond his team shares.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood teams stay connected,\u201d Gannon said. \u201cThey care about each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
And, Gannon added, it was no accident that Murray was the one who brought so many pieces of the organization\u2019s past and present together.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe means everything to us,\u201d Gannon said. \u201cHe’s our heartbeat. We go as he goes. So it’ll be a fun year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fitzgerald, too, complimented Murray\u2019s efforts. Fitzgerald hosted a celebrity softball game each spring at Salt River Fields before handing over that responsibility to the player who succeeded him as the face of the franchise.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe’s elevated it way better than I could’ve ever done it,\u201d Fitzgerald said. \u201cIt’s great to see him doing this and raising awareness for a really worthy cause. Look at the turnout. It looks like a couple thousand people came. So this is awesome to be able to see this, so they can continue to do this for years to come, hopefully.\u201d<\/p>\n