Larry Fitzgerald shared his thoughts on two quarterbacks he knows well during Thursday’s Caesars Celebrity Pro Am at Edgewood Tahoe Resort.
The Hall of Fame receiver spoke one day before the 2026 American Century Championship begins its three-day run on NBC and Peacock.
Fitzgerald discussed Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel and Minnesota’s Kyler Murray. He played his final two NFL seasons alongside Murray in Arizona.
Heintschel took over as Pitt’s starter during his freshman season in 2025. The former three-star recruit from Clay, Oregon stepped in when Eli Holstein went down with injury.
Murray now competes for Minnesota’s starting job against J.J. McCarthy. The former Michigan quarterback won a national championship with the Wolverines.
Heintschel’s Development at Pitt
Fitzgerald praised his alma mater’s young quarterback for showing toughness during a difficult rookie season.
“Yeah, just watching the games, he’s not one to shy away. He’s a tough dude, and he took some licks last year. It was really inspiring to have a young man who’s got some leadership qualities to him like that.”
The Panthers struggled at times in 2025 as Heintschel learned on the job.
“And you could tell by the way guys responded to him that they really admire his perspective. Talking to people in the building, he’s a hardworking kind of guy. I’m hoping he can take us to the ACC championship this year.”
Fitzgerald remains connected to the Pittsburgh program. He earned All-American honors there before his NFL career.
Murray’s Fresh Start in Minnesota
The former Cardinals receiver expressed support for Murray’s opportunity with the Vikings.
“I don’t know how it’s been for him this offseason. But I hope he does well. Obviously, I grew up a longtime Vikings fan. I always want to see the organization do well.”
Fitzgerald grew up in Minneapolis before starring at Pittsburgh. He maintains strong ties to his hometown team.
“They’ve done a great job of reaching into that community. I mean, some of my earliest childhood memories of big brothers and big sisters were organized by the Vikings in the community. So there’s always a place in my heart for life, and I want them to do well with whoever they pick.”
Murray spent four seasons in Arizona after the Cardinals drafted him first overall in 2019. He threw for over 14,000 yards during Fitzgerald’s final two seasons.
The Vikings acquired Murray this offseason to compete with McCarthy for the starting role.
