I don't do this. I am actually regretting writing this letter. But I feel I have something to say. I am sure you will never actually read this letter or know who I am. This world is filled with negativity. As soon as a celebrity makes bad choices once or a thousand times we are ready to talk about it, to tell them what they are doing wrong. Today, I choose to do the opposite, to focus on the good in this world. Some of that good being the Arizona Cardinals.
But first I have something to say to Larry. As I watched the Green Bay, Arizona game with my four sons something incredible happened. They witnessed something we don't see everyday. We see it in the movies but rarely right in front of our eyes. You have taught my sons the character traits of a real man. To play with HEART, now don't get me wrong, many players on the field that night played with heart. But yours, yours was different. I talk to my boys daily about living their life with passion. I tell them to put everything they have into everything they do. They got to see it and their eyes lit up. I have never seen that awe in them. How amazed, how moved they were. It brought tears to this mother's eyes. I wish in our world they saw more of it.
Raising men in this world, men of character, is difficult. I do not push for them to idolize athletes or celebrities because they are so often led astray and disappointed. You Mr. Fitzgerald have given me hope. You are a man of character, on and off the field. Your LOYALTY to the Arizona Cardinals is rare. Your RESPECT for others is definitive. Your HUMILITY is inspiring. I know you are human and make mistakes like there rest of us. But I wanted to say thank you for helping restore my faith and that it is not all about everything our society makes it out to be. Thank you for being an example to the future men of the NFL and this world. We need more like you. From one Mother, your Mother would be proud.
To our team, my heart was hurting as I watched our team fall apart against the Panthers. But my heart hurt more for our team and the dedication that was put into your season. Do not let one game define your season this one or future ones. My boys were a true testament to what a team of dignity looks like. I had to have multiple conversations of humility and character throughout the game. I am not here to point fingers or focus on the bad behavior of those involved. It is not worth our breath, as I tell my boys, you are responsible for you. Not what they do. Let love and light shine through you and your actions. After the game was over I was expecting my boys to feel my heartache and have to talk about loss with them but the conversation never happened. Their eyes had fire in them. They ran to me to tell me how they so badly have to have a Fitzgerald, no Palmer, no Floyd, no Johnson jersey. They were so proud of this team that they could not contain their excitement. They ran to the TV and played Madden as the Arizona Cardinals. Be Red See Red. Always. Forever.
Sincerely,
Heidi Stout
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