Fans of the Arizona Cardinals saw an unusual sight during their home victory over the San Francisco 49ers on their home field State Farm Stadium.

Veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald made a dramatic touchdown reception, capping off his team’s scoring drive by scoring a two-point conversion to secure the win. Yet, as exciting as those plays were, they were not that unusual for Fitzgerald, an award-winning receiver in his 15th season. What was unusual was his response to the stellar play.

Upon making the two-point conversion, Fitzgerald forcefully spiked (or threw) the ball into the end zone turf. Compared to many of his NFL contemporaries’ elaborate touchdown celebrations, the spiked ball seemed pretty tame, but it was a significant deviation from his established touchdown routine, which is to politely hand the ball to the referee.

Given the increased leeway for touchdown celebrations allowed in today’s NFL, the act didn’t result in any kind of penalty, but it was so out of character for Fitzgerald that he was immediately asked about it in his postgame interview.

"I’ve never spiked a ball before in my life," he told reporters. "I was a little frustrated and had a heavy heart today because my son Devin - my oldest son - didn't want to come to the game today. My feelings were a little hurt, so I was carrying that around all day. So when I got in there, I kind of let it out.

"To all the kids that are watching, I'm sorry I set a bad example today."

Potential Preaching Angles:

When we react out of anger we have the potential to do damage to our reputations and to those who we represent. Make sure to seek reconciliation before you go on with the rest of your day.

Source:

Jess Root, “Larry Fitzgerald spikes ball after two-point conversion, apologizes for it,” MSN Sports (10-29-18)