NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald believes “tennis athletes are the best in the world”

Throughout a decorated NFL career, Larry Fitzgerald amassed more than 17,000 yards as a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. The future Hall of Famer scored 121 touchdowns over 17 seasons in showcasing incredible longevity and world-class athleticism.

So does Fitzgerald think his league fields the greatest athletes?

Appearing on T2’s Second Serve, the Minneapolis, Minn. native instead asserted that “tennis athletes are the best in the world.”

Continued Fitzgerald, “You think about the anaerobic workout they have. The change of direction, the long rallies. It’s a really special athlete to be able to compete on the highest level.”

You don’t have the option of just trying harder on defense or passing the ball to affect a result. You don’t play a position. You have to play all of the roles. —Andy Roddick

Reacting to the statement on Tennis Channel Live, Andy Roddick shared that he heard Fitzgerald make the declaration three weeks earlier on a golf course.

“I had more beverages in my system,” joked Roddick. “But he said the same thing and was effusive about the sport.”

“I definitely think tennis is up there at the top as hardest sports to play,” said CoCo Vandeweghe. “It’s so much more physical and you’re always by yourself.”

Reminded Steve Weissman, “I’ve tweeted before, when Novak Djokovic is at his best, he’s the greatest athlete on the planet. I truly believe that.”

After tennis, which sport’s athletes would get the nod?

“I think the similar movements are basketball. You’re sprinting for 48 minutes,” said Roddick.

Shared Vandeweghe, “Ice hockey or boxing.”

Making the case for tennis, Roddick elaborated, “Instead of talking about other sports, with which I’m not as well versed, there’s no sport that’s more isolated for a longer period of time. You don’t have the option of just trying harder on defense or passing the ball to affect a result. You don’t play a position. You have to play all of the roles. And then let’s throw in 110 degree heat for five hours in Melbourne. It’s brutal.”

Sounds like a compelling argument to us!