Notre Dame freshman wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald was absent from the Fighting Irish’s third practice of fall camp on Saturday.

For once, missing practice came with the best possible explanation.

While his teammates worked in South Bend, Fitzgerald was in Canton, Ohio, helping induct his father, legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Devin Fitzgerald Presents Father Larry Fitzgerald into the Hall of Fame

Devin played a meaningful role in the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony. He voiced a video sharing some of his favorite memories of his father’s career, walked out with Larry before the speech, and helped unveil the Hall of Fame bust.

Larry Fitzgerald began his enshrinement speech by speaking directly to his children. Looking at Devin, he repeated a simple but powerful message:

“I’m proud of you, son… I’m very proud of you. I’m proud of you, son.”

The moment quickly circulated among Notre Dame fans and college football followers, turning what could have been a routine practice absence into one of the more memorable stories of early fall camp.

Who Is Devin Fitzgerald?

Devin Fitzgerald is a true freshman wide receiver who enrolled early at Notre Dame this past winter and participated in spring practice. The 6-foot-2, roughly 200-pound pass-catcher from Brophy Prep in Phoenix arrived with strong ball skills and a high football IQ — traits many observers have connected to his upbringing around the game.

He committed to Notre Dame in July 2025 over schools such as UCLA, becoming part of a 2026 recruiting class that featured multiple players with NFL family ties. Fitzgerald is the son of Larry Fitzgerald, the former Arizona Cardinals star who ranks among the greatest receivers in NFL history.

Larry Fitzgerald finished his 17-year career with 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards (second all-time at the time of his retirement), and 121 touchdowns. He earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors.

Early Impact and Adjustment at Notre Dame

Even as a freshman, Devin turned heads during spring practice. Coaches and teammates noted his ability to make contested catches and his comfort level in a loaded wide receiver room. Notre Dame’s receiving corps includes several high-upside young players and transfers, creating intense competition for snaps.

Despite the depth chart logjam, Fitzgerald has embraced the challenge. He has spoken about adjusting to the speed of the college game and the size of the playbook while continuing to develop his craft.

His absence from Saturday’s practice was officially listed by the program as “tending to a personal matter,” a description that took on a much warmer meaning once details of the Hall of Fame weekend emerged.

A Special Father-Son Moment

For many NFL legacies, watching a parent reach the Hall of Fame is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Getting to actively participate in the ceremony as the presenter makes it even more meaningful.

Larry Fitzgerald has spoken about wanting to “pour into” his son during the process, using the stage in Canton — surrounded by fellow all-time greats — as a way to show Devin what is possible through hard work and excellence.

For Notre Dame fans, the story offered a humanizing glimpse into the life of a young player still early in his college career. Football remains the focus in South Bend, but moments like this remind supporters that these athletes have lives and family milestones that extend far beyond the practice field.

Looking Ahead for Devin Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is expected to return to normal practice activities after the Hall of Fame weekend. As fall camp continues, he will keep competing for a role in a crowded wide receiver group under head coach Marcus Freeman and the offensive staff.

While it is still early in his Notre Dame career, the combination of pedigree, early enrollment, and the competitive environment in South Bend gives him a strong foundation. The confidence and perspective gained from sharing such a significant family moment with his father can only help as he navigates the challenges of his freshman season.

In a sport that demands so much time and focus, Devin Fitzgerald’s absence from practice this weekend was one Notre Dame fans were more than happy to accept. Some things, after all, are bigger than football.