Dear Larry Fitzgerald,

You and I have a long history, even though you may not know that.

I’ve been reppin’ a cardinal red eleven since my grandparents bought me the new rookie receiver’s jersey for Christmas. While I have long since outgrew that particular jersey, my closet has become stacked with red and white double ones.

I’ve spent every Sunday rooting for the Cardinals and watching you rack up reception yards. I was there when you caught Kurt Warner’s pass to score a touchdown on the first play of the 2008 NFC West Championship and I stayed in the stadium until they started sweeping up confetti. I went all the way to Tampa Bay and lost my voice after we picked up a safety and you caught a 64-yard touchdown pass.

Two years after the Super Bowl run my parents gave my brother and I a pass to meet you and take a quick photo at Westgate. As I waited in line I rehearsed everything that I wanted to tell you. How I rooted for you every Sunday and just knew that I would see you at another Super Bowl. But, when it was finally my turn I was one hundred percent star struck and couldn’t say a word. Instead, a huge, cheesy smile plastered itself to my face for the next week.

While I still remained an optimistic supporter midst the 2012 quarterback carousel, I became a forever fan in the summer of 2013. I had fallen ill and while I was at home resting my parents went out to grab a bite to eat. By some sort of miracle they ran into you at the restaurant. My mom, embarrassed to bother you but intent on bringing her daughter an autograph from her favorite player, explained to you that I was at home sick but was your biggest fan. You may not remember writing “Get Well, Leah” on the back of a menu, but that simple gesture made me so unbelievably happy.

It was so comforting to know that the person I had been watching from the couch and the stands was supporting me too. Though I have been healthy for a long while now, that card still sits framed above my desk.

I’ve cheered you on at every Sunday, Monday and Thursday game and am sure I yelled the loudest when you caught the pass that broke the 11,000 yard record. I have painted my face with red elevens and made some variation of the number my email address for everything. I even contemplated switching to Desert Schools banking because I wanted to get your picture on my credit card, but after some consideration I realized I wasn't quite yet ready to break completely free from my parent’s account.

Thank you for being my favorite Cardinal. I am so excited for this season!

#birdgang

Leah