No matter your feelings toward the current state of the NFL, from its safety to anthem protests, it's nearly impossible not to love Larry Fitzgerald. The Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver is as real as it gets, a genuine leader in the community, and his latest act of kindness is incredibly special.
Less than a month after reading a tribute at the funeral of Senator John McCain, his longtime friend, Fitzgerald helped pick up the tab at a family-owned Scottsdale deli to support the owner, who has terminal cancer.
This past Tuesday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fitzgerald paid for every single tab at Casella's Italian Delicatessen and collected donations for deli owner Joe Casella, his wife, Tina Casella, and their family.
Help us support Joe & Tina Casella. Unfortunately Joe has been diagnosed with cancer & we are raising money to help him & his family. From 12pm-5pm pls support a long time friend & family-run biz in our valley
Casella’s Italian Delicatessen
5905 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale https://t.co/Nfnx8nteAC
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) September 18, 2018
Casella's Italian Delicatessen has been opened since 1977, and the 79-year old Joe Casella is facing terminal cancer. Fitzgerald is leading the community to rally around the family.
"I want to support Joe, his legacy and his family and I hope those that come in Tuesday will do the same by donating to support this man, his family and what they have and continue to represent," Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald, per KTAR
What a class act.
There were plenty of people who showed up to the restaurant, too.
Come get lunch on @LarryFitzgerald. Longtime owner of Casella’s deli, Joe has been diagnosed with cancer and they’re raising money to help him & his family from 12pm-5pm. @KTAR923
Casella’s Italian Delicatessen
5905 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale pic.twitter.com/TmcJaxEFZx
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) September 18, 2018
FREE FOOD: brought to you by @LarryFitzgerald, he wants to help out his longtime friend & family-run business in the valley. Owner of Casella’s Deli, Joe is battling terminal cancer, they’re accepting donations to help pay for his medical bills.
5905 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale pic.twitter.com/avaVHO6fvm
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) September 18, 2018
.@KTAR923 - When I asked the owner of Casella’s Deli, Joe what it meant to see the line out the door at his restaurant he said, “I’ll shine @LarryFitzgerald’s shoes tomorrow after all he’s done not only in my life but our whole community.” pic.twitter.com/WWPlSB01nY
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) September 18, 2018
Joe Casella is batting termimal cancer but dancing and engaging with every single person waiting in line as they get their lunch paid for by @LarryFitzgerald until 5pm today. Come stop by and meet this sweet man! @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/1HegX5mpmy
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) September 18, 2018
Cardinals teammates Christian Kirk and D.J. Foster, who went to nearby Saguaro High School, were expected to attend the event on Granite Reef Road.
Since being drafted No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2004 NFL Draft, the University of Pittsburgh alum and unanimous All-American has been the face of the franchise at the University of Phoenix Stadium and a leader in the community. He was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2016.
Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, has 1,244 receptions for 15,649 yards and 110 touchdowns during his career.
It's hard telling how long the 35-year-old will keep playing in the NFL, but his impact in the local area, such as picking up a local deli tab and providing free meals and free food for the public to support the Casella family, is a legacy that will continue long after his playing days and something people will never forget.
READ MORE: The Amazing Reason Why Bears TE Trey Burton Will Donate $1,000 Per Catch This Season
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