PHOENIX — Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald has just acquired a stake in the Phoenix Suns, the team announced Wednesday.
Fitzgerald joined the ownership group by purchasing a minority stake.
"Larry has been a great ambassador for our organization for years. He is an Arizona icon and a businessman, passionate philanthropist, and leader," said Suns managing partner Robert Sarver, in a media release. "He brings a unique perspective from outside basketball but still grounded in sport, and we welcome him as a valued partner and investor."
Fitzgerald reportedly told NFL.com that "it gives me another connection in the community I love and always will live in. It's a long-term commitment I wanted to make for life after football."
One of the greatest to ever do it has invested in your Suns.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 22, 2020
Welcome to the team, @LarryFitzgerald. pic.twitter.com/tGGnDKObRh
Fitzgerald says he's supported the team since he arrived in Arizona.
"I have a special place in my heart for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, and I have a great deal of respect for Robert," Fitzgerald said, according to a press release. "He has become a dear friend and a trusted confidante. He is a big part of why I am making this commitment."
“The level of credibility of our franchise continues to go up. When someone like Larry partners and pours his money into it, it says a lot about who we are and what we're trying to be,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “I've been around him a few times now and he's just top-notch. To be able to work for, work with him is pretty cool for me. It says a lot about the organization. This place is trending in a good way and that's awesome.”
RELATED: Report: Larry Fitzgerald helped Suns with front office interviews
Talks to join the Suns reportedly started a couple years ago, NFL.com says.
Fitzgerald also recently re-signed with the Cardinals for the 2020 football season. He will remain as a wide receiver for the Arizona NFL team with a one-year contract.
“I feel like he's already been a part of it honestly. I think this just stamps it and solidifies the work that he's put into the community and this franchise personally,” Devin Booker said Wednesday. “Since I've been here, he's been a role model for me. On the field, obviously, I was a fan before I even got to Arizona and then I was able to develop the relationship even further with him and to see his values and how he carries himself was just a tremendous blueprint for me.”
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