Inside The Panthers

Former Pitt WR Larry Fitzgerald Molds C.J. Stroud into Franchise QB

Former Pitt Panther Larry Fitzgerald is mentoring this year's top picks.

Stephen Thompson

Former Pitt WR Larry Fitzgerald Molds C.J. Stroud into Franchise QB
Former Pitt WR Larry Fitzgerald Molds C.J. Stroud into Franchise QB /
In this story:

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Pitt Panthers receiver Larry Fitzgerald is leaving a legacy on professional football even after his Hall of Fame-worthy career has ended. 

One of this season's top quarterback prospects, C.J. Stroud from Ohio State, said that he's been mentored by Fitzgerald while he prepares to take on the weight of becoming a franchise player. Fitzgerald, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, knows what bearing that pressure feels like and has helped Stroud understand what to expect and how to handle it. 

"Just being really confident in yourself," Stroud said Fitzgerald told him. "Really being a student of the game. Not being too cool for school. Going in there and controlling that team from rookie minicamp and that's how it starts. I don't think you can build a dynasty or build something like that without a good foundation. That's something I want to do when I come in is be a leader and of course not demand respect, but earn it. Build trust off the field and be a leader not only on the field but off it as well so that's what I plan to do."

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Bills Can Build Stronger Connection with Pitt in Draft

Pitt DL Calijah Kancey Earning Aaron Donald Comparisons

Three Pitt Targets Schedule Spring Visits

Pitt DT Runs Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time of Century

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Exceeds Expectations in Combine Measurements

Bracketology Watch: Notre Dame Loss Sinks Pitt in Bracketology Projections

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

Home/News