Larry Fitzgerald's son Devin becomes latest NFL legacy to join Notre Dame

Another NFL legacy is going to be catching passes at Notre Dame.

Devin Fitzgerald, whose father Larry almost certainly will be a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2026, committed Saturday to Notre Dame. The younger Fitzgerald is a three-star recruit at Arizona’s Brophy Prep and the No. 55-ranked receiver in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports.com.

The Fighting Irish receivers room will include Fitzgerald, Jerome Bettis Jr. (son of Jerome), Elijah Burress (son of Plaxico) and Kaydon Finley (son of Jermichael). Those four retired fathers have a combined 47 seasons of NFL experience and 2,408 receptions, plus Bettis’ 13,662 rushing yards.

Devin Fitzgerald (r.) has committed to Notre Dame. Getty Images

Larry Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024 for his two outstanding seasons at Pittsburgh. He was the runner-up in the 2003 Heisman Trophy vote, finishing behind winner Jason White and one spot ahead of Eli Manning.

Devin Fitzgerald told ESPN that Notre Dame extended its scholarship offer in May after his breakout junior season, when he totaled 52 catches for 720 yards and nine touchdowns. His relationship with receivers coach Mike Brown — an NFL contemporary of his father — was a bonus.

“I’ve developed into a better ballplayer, and they really think I’m going to turn into a great player,” Fitzgerald told ESPN. “I’ve known Coach Brown since I was 5 years old. He’s shown me that I can come in, step up and play early. That’s their plan with me.”

Larry Fitzgerald with his son Devin. Getty Images

After they meet this fall when Devin is still in high school, Notre Dame and Pitt won’t face each other until 2028. Then Larry will have to choose between rooting for his son and his alma mater.

“Having my dad there to help me throughout the recruiting process has been great,” Fitzgerald said. “He knows what’s important. You want to go somewhere you feel like you belong and where you fit in.”

Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class includes linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. (son of former Panthers star Thomas) in addition to Fitzgerald and Finley.

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