NFL

Larry Fitzgerald’s touching message for Chris Mortensen

Larry Fitzgerald saved his most impressive pivot for after the game.

The Cardinals star wide receiver nearly single-handedly lifted Arizona to a divisional-round win over the Packers, side-stepping tacklers and an unreal Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary to clinch the game, 26-20 in overtime.

With a 75-yard catch and run on a broken play, Fitzgerald propelled Arizona into perfect position in the extra period. With a shovel pass from Carson Palmer from the Green Bay 5-yard line, Fitzgerald won the game, which he immediately put into proper perspective with a message for ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, who is battling throat cancer.

“Mort, I want to tell you, man,” Fitzgerald said just minutes after the game-winning score, still trying to catch his breath. “We’re thinking about you, and fight, baby. Love you, Mort.”

Mortensen, who had been silent since his statement Friday, took notice of Fitzgerald’s salute and offered his thanks to the wide receiver, along with everyone who’s offered their best wishes.

“Thank you everybody and thank you @LarryFitzgerald,” he wrote. “I am humbled. 1 Timothy 2:1.”

(The Bible verse? “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”)

In his statement, the 64-year-old Mortensen said he had been diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer and would be taking a break from covering football.

A slew of well wishes and tributes have come for Mortensen, who has been with ESPN since 1991, as colleagues such as Adam Schefter have made it known he will not be forgotten in his absence from ESPN broadcasting.

Fitzgerald’s nod, during one of the more euphoric moments of his life after amassing 176 yards on eight catches, shows the players will be cheering him on, as well.