Minnesota Natives Floyd, Fitzgerald Facing Off Against Vikings In Arizona
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In 1998, when the Vikings went 15-1, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was a ballboy on the sidelines at the Metrodome, learning from the likes of Randy Moss and Cris Carter.
Now in his 12th season and enjoying a big year, Fitzgerald, who went to Holy Angels High School has a Minnesota teammate, Michael Floyd from Cretin Derham Hall, who is also carving out a big time career in Arizona.
When he was drafted in the first round it meant two wide receivers from Minnesota playing for Arizona, and Michael Floyd worked out
in the summer to learn from Larry Fitzgerald.
"Larry pushes me to where I might want to quit, but I see him working through it and I know I can too," Floyd said.
So far, Floyd has flourished in the desert, much because he followed his Minnesota mentor.
"He's a terrific young man," Fitzgerald said. "He's somebody you expect that came from Minnesota. He's attentive. He's aware of what he wants to do. He's got big goals, and he's got the ability to make it happen."
Floyd had equally kind things to say about his teammate.
"He's a great leader, and a great role model," Floyd said. "I couldn't be in a better position."
Together, they are a matchup issue for the Vikings cornerbacks in Arizona.
"Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best in the league. Michael Floyd can get up and catch the ball when it's in his vicinity," Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes said.
Fitzgerald won over the Vikings veteran superstar -- Adrian Peterson -- at an early age.
"I remember when I was in high school and he was at Pittsburgh, and I was like, 'Who is this guy?'" Peterson said. "So I've been watching him since high school. Definitely have a lot of respect for him -- he's a Hall of Fame receiver."
Peterson wasn't the only one who took notice -- a future head coach saw the talent, too.
"He does a lot of dirty work," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said. "He blocks an awful lot. He block big guys, safetys -- whoever, he'll block them."
And with the Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen a Minnesota native as well, there may be some kind of record set Thursday night.
"I grew up watching them play," Thielen said. "I'll be in good company out there."
