Larry Fitzgerald on the Cusp of Immortality

Honestly, this story is really a non-starter.  There is nothing Larry Fitzgerald needs to do in the eyes of me or any other Arizona Cardinals fan, and to be honest most football fans, in order to be one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

However, for the sake of posterity, let's take a look at what will move Larry Fitzgerald from special, to someone who doesn't have to "wait" for the line at wide receivers getting into the Hall of Fame to shrink.

Fitz is 11th all time in receptions, two active players are in front of him, Andre Johnson is 35 receptions ahead and Jason Witten is two ahead of him. Witten could remain in front of him, I'd be surprised if Johnson could though.

85 receptions in 2016 would give Fitzgerald 1103 for his career, which would put him in sole possession of third all time in the record books.

Receiving yards right now, Fitzgerald is 15th all time. To get past Tim Brown into sixth place all time he'd need to turn back the clock and have 1,569 receiving yards in 2016. That's not fair to ask, but over 1,000 yards would put him at eight all time. The problem is Andre Johnson and Steve Smith are in front of him and active. To insure Fitz is in the top ten all time he'll have to put up 1,215 yards in 2016. If he passes Smith and Johnson along the way that will put him seventh all time.

Now, receiving touchdowns Fitz is currently 11th all time, but he should hit top ten soon, as he's just one touchdown behind 10th.

Antonio Gates is the only active player that is in front of him, but Fitz could pass him this year, but more importantly is another tight end ahead of Fitz.

Tony Gonzalez has 111 career touchdowns and while the Arizona Cardinals have a plethora of weapons, Fitz could get to 14 touchdowns this season.

If Larry Fitzgerald is really done after 2016, then he needs his numbers to be 85 receptions 1,215 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Add in a Super Bowl ring and that wouldn't be a bad way to go out.

Here's to a special year for the greatest Arizona Cardinals player of all time.