Larry Fitzgerald is a Team Leader and a Conductor

Not only is Larry Fitzgerald one of the top wide receivers in the National Football League, but he’s a strong leader off the field as well.  This past Thursday, Fitzgerald was featured as a guest conductor for the Phoenix symphony, and helped kick off their 2012 season with their version of the National Anthem.

When asked during an interview on Sunday NFL countdown whether or not Fitzgerald had any previous experience in music, Fitzgerald had to admit, “I have no musical background.”

Only a player like Fitzgerald could come into a situation with no experience and excel in the way he did. Moreover, his play on the field contributed to the success he saw as a conductor.

“He was obviously so concentrated and focused,” said Steven Moeckel, the Phoenix symphony concert master.  “And, you know, that obviously comes from playing the game and that just transferred perfectly over to conducting an orchestra.”

As one of the most prolific and highlighted players in the NFL, it’s hard to believe Fitzgerald would be nervous, but the butterflies were flying as he took the podium.

“I was extremely nervous up there practicing,” Fitzgerald said. “You’re in front of some of the best musicians in all the world right here in our Valley, and I think it’s so special that we have so many talented people congregated in one room working together as a team.”

Fitzgerald’s dedication and work ethic also transferred over to the conducting.

“It could have been a drive by for him,” added Jim Ward, Phoenix symphony president and CEO.  “He could have just shown up and did what he did.  But in true Larry Fitzgerald fashion, he asked us for game film.”

Fitzgerald wasted little time preparing for his performance on the stage.  “I wanted to go home and study, so I went on YouTube and looked up all the symphony’s and conductors, and I saw hundreds of different tapes of how they were able to do it.”

As a conductor, Fitzgerald found himself in the unusual role of quarterback and truly understood the magnitude of the opportunity he was presented.

“It really is special,” Fitzgerald said. “To be an American, [with] the freedom we have here, I’m really moved. Never in a million years would I think I’d ever have the opportunity to do this, but I’m truly honored and humbled to have this opportunity.”

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