The Facts:
Fitzgerald can play in the 220-pound range, which is where he was a week ago or so, but is far more effective with 10 or so fewer pounds. Out of habit, strength-and-conditioning coach John Lott constantly reminds Fitzgerald of what Fitzgerald weighed on Jan. 30, 2009, two days before the Cardinals played in Super Bowl XLIII. The Cardinals lost the game, but Fitzgerald broke NFL post-season records that year for receptions, yards and touchdowns. "212.5," Fitzgerald said of his weight on the Friday before the biggest game of his life.
Reported by the Arizona Republic
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
"Ideally, if I could play at 213, 214, that's when I'm at my best. When I'm at '12' it's hard to deal with me because I can run all day, and I feel strong enough at the point of attack where I can break tackles and stuff like that," Fitzgerald said. ... He weighs 217 pounds now. But in his world, taking off another five pounds or so not only makes him dangerous on the field, it gives him more credibility with his teammates. "I can't tell you to drop your weight until I have all my 'I's' dotted and 'T's' crossed." So that's why these 5 pounds are important to Fitzgerald. He can tell rookie Michael Floyd what he needs to do to succeed. Say whatever he needs to say to get running back Ryan Williams ready to contribute. "It's a trickle-down effect," Fitzgerald said. "Everybody gets better and our team gets better. That's where I'm at now. ..." And if it makes him better along the way? We're all for it.
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