Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is Pitt’s 2025 spring commencement speaker

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. — former Pitt football and NFL star, and recognized philanthropist, investor and business leader — will serve as the University of Pittsburgh’s 2025 spring commencement speaker. The ceremony will take place on May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.

In honor of his mother, Fitzgerald in 2005 founded The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, which creates equitable access and new pathways for young people in underserved communities to learn and thrive in safe environments, while also providing resources for those impacted by breast cancer.

With a passion for technology, Fitzgerald co-founded Trenches Capital, a firm focusing on critical technology, financial technology and enterprise software, and has invested in more than 160 companies across hospitality, sports, technology, real estate and fintech. He serves on the boards of Boys and Girls Club of America, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Infinite Athlete and Qualtrics, and is also a co-owner of the Rajasthan Royal cricket team.

Furthering his commitment to community and business leadership, Fitzgerald was named a Henry Crown fellow for the Aspen Institute. He regularly speaks to audiences ranging from youth groups to business executives about mindset, mentorship, perseverance and community service.

A native of Minneapolis, Fitzgerald committed to play for Pitt in 2002. In the 26 games of his college career, the wide receiver finished with 161 catches for 2,677 yards and became the University’s all-time touchdown reception leader, a record that stands to this day.

His sophomore season performance earned him the 2003 Walter Camp Award, which is presented to the best player in college football by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best wide receiver. In 2013, the University retired Fitzgerald’s No. 1 jersey, making him the ninth Pitt player to receive the honor. He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

Fitzgerald was drafted third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played all 17 seasons of his professional football career. In 2014, Fitzgerald was honored with the inaugural Art Rooney Award, given in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship on the playing field, an honor voted in by fellow players. He also was named the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his commitment to philanthropy and community impact.

Find more information by visiting Pitt’s commencement site or following @PittCommencement on Instagram.