Pat Fitzgerald, a distinguished figure in the world of football, has carved a lasting legacy both on and off the field. As a former star linebacker for Northwestern University, Fitzgerald’s impressive career earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
His induction into the Hall of Fame highlights his exceptional contributions to the sport.
Beyond his playing days, Fitzgerald has also made significant strides as a coach. Notably, he became the youngest head football coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision, leading Northwestern to numerous victories. His work with local charities and his commitment to community service further cements his reputation as a role model.
His involvement in the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact on both the university and the sport.
Fitzgerald’s notable achievements have sparked interest in various aspects of his life, including his financial success. As a respected coach and beloved figure in football, many are curious about his net worth and the financial rewards tied to his illustrious career.
Through his dedication and talent, Fitzgerald continues to inspire athletes and coaches alike.
Who Is Pat Fitzgerald?
Pat Fitzgerald is a notable figure in American football, known for his contributions as both a player and a coach. He has made significant impacts at Northwestern University, especially in the sport’s history and culture.
Where Did Pat Fitzgerald Grow Up?
Pat Fitzgerald grew up in Orland Park, Illinois. Born on December 2, 1974, he attended Carl Sandburg High School.
His early years in Orland Park set the foundation for his future in football. Playing high school football, he quickly made a name for himself as a talented linebacker.
Orland Park played a crucial role in shaping his passion and skills in football, which would later define his career.
Where Does Pat Fitzgerald Live?
Pat Fitzgerald is known to reside in Evanston, Illinois. This city is home to Northwestern University, where he had a long-standing career as the head football coach.
Living in Evanston allows him to stay connected with the university and its community. This proximity to Northwestern played a key role in his daily involvement with the team and its activities, enriching his coaching experience and maintaining strong connections with both current and former players.
Who Is Pat Fitzgerald Married To?
Pat Fitzgerald is married to Stacy Fitzgerald. The couple met while Pat was attending Northwestern University.
Stacy has been a supportive partner throughout his career, especially during his tenure as head coach. Together, they have navigated the ups and downs of his professional life.
Stacy often participates in community activities and charitable events, making a significant impact alongside her husband within the Evanston area and the greater Northwestern community.
Does Pat Fitzgerald Have Children?
Pat Fitzgerald and Stacy have three children: Jack, Ryan, and Brendan.
The family is closely-knit, often seen participating in various community and school events in Evanston. Jack and Ryan have shown interest in sports, which aligns with their father’s legacy in football. Brendan, the youngest, is also actively involved in local youth activities.
The Fitzgerald family values time together, balancing professional commitments with family life, which is a testament to their strong familial bonds.
Pat Fitzgerald’s College Football Career
Pat Fitzgerald excelled both as a player and coach in college football. He was a standout linebacker for the Northwestern Wildcats and later served as their head coach. His career is marked by numerous awards and contributions to the sport.
Where Did Pat Fitzgerald Play College Football?
Pat Fitzgerald played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats from 1993 to 1996. As a linebacker, he became one of the most prominent players in the program’s history.
Fitzgerald helped lead the Wildcats to an impressive streak, clinching Big Ten Championships in 1995 and 1996. His performance was instrumental in revitalizing the Northwestern football program, which had struggled in the years prior to his arrival.
His time at Northwestern also included participation in bowl games. Notably, he played in the 1996 Rose Bowl where the Wildcats faced off against the University of Southern California. Although they did not win that particular game, it marked a significant achievement for the team.
Did Pat Fitzgerald Coach College Football?
After his playing days, Pat Fitzgerald transitioned into coaching, spending 17 seasons as the head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats. He took on the head coach role in 2006, becoming the youngest head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision at that time.
His coaching career also included five years as a staff member before becoming head coach.
As a coach, Fitzgerald maintained his focus on developing a strong defense, similar to his playing style. Under his leadership, the Wildcats saw multiple bowl game appearances and sustained competitiveness in the Big Ten. His coaching tenure marked a successful second chapter in his long-standing association with Northwestern.
What Awards Did Pat Fitzgerald Accomplish In College Football?
Pat Fitzgerald’s talents on the field earned him notable awards. During his college football career, he was a two-time All-America selection. He also received the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Award in consecutive years (1995 and 1996), making him the first player to win these awards back-to-back.
These honors recognized him as the nation’s top defensive player.
Additionally, he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. His prowess and leadership secured his place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, underscoring his impact on the sport.
What Bowl Games Did Pat Fitzgerald Win In College Football?
Pat Fitzgerald and the Northwestern Wildcats made notable bowl game appearances during his playing and coaching tenure, although victories were sparse. As a player, Fitzgerald participated in the 1996 Rose Bowl and the 1997 Citrus Bowl. Despite strong efforts, the Wildcats did not win these games.
In his coaching career, Fitzgerald led the team to numerous bowl games. They secured wins in the 2013 Gator Bowl against Mississippi State, marking Northwestern’s first bowl win since 1949. Under his leadership, the team also triumphed in the 2018 Holiday Bowl and the 2021 Citrus Bowl. These wins cemented his legacy as both a top-tier player and a successful coach.
Pat Fitzgerald’s Professional Football Career
Pat Fitzgerald’s professional football career has been marked by his time as a college coach and player, winning numerous awards and honors. Here, details about his career in the NFL, coaching ventures, and notable achievements are discussed.
Did Pat Fitzgerald Play In The NFL?
Pat Fitzgerald did not play in the NFL. Despite a distinguished college career at Northwestern University, where he was known for his defensive skills and accolades, he did not transition to a professional playing career in the NFL.
His focus shifted towards coaching after his time as a player, where he significantly impacted the college football scene.
Did Pat Fitzgerald Coach In The NFL?
Pat Fitzgerald did not coach in the NFL. After his successful tenure as a player, he joined Northwestern’s coaching staff and eventually became the head coach.
His coaching career was centered around college football, specifically at Northwestern University, contributing to the team’s success over the years. He became well-known for his leadership and development of players at the college level.
What Awards Did Pat Fitzgerald Accomplish In Professional Football?
Pat Fitzgerald’s accolades were primarily achieved during his time as a college player and coach. As a player, he was a two-time winner of the Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Nagurski Awards, recognizing him as the best defensive player in the nation.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, a testament to his outstanding football career and impact on the sport.
Did Pat Fitzgerald Win A Super Bowl?
Pat Fitzgerald did not win a Super Bowl. His professional involvement in football did not extend to the NFL, where Super Bowls are contested.
His contributions to the sport have been significant at the college level, both as a player and a coach, but he did not participate in or win any Super Bowl championships during his career.
What Is Pat Fitzgerald Up To Now?
After being fired as the head coach of Northwestern’s football team due to a hazing scandal, Pat Fitzgerald has embarked on new ventures. Below are details of his involvement in football, speaking engagements, podcasting, and broadcasting.
Is Pat Fitzgerald Still Involved In Football?
Pat Fitzgerald has taken a step back from active coaching since his firing from Northwestern. He has not taken up a head coach role or any official position with any team.
However, he remains a respected figure in the football community. Many speculate that he might return to coaching in some capacity in the future. His knowledge and experience as a head coach, particularly his long tenure at Northwestern, keep him in discussions whenever coaching vacancies arise in college football.
Does Pat Fitzgerald Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Pat Fitzgerald has started to engage in private speaking. He leverages his vast experience in football, from being a celebrated player to a notable head coach.
His talks often focus on leadership, resilience, and team-building. Organizations and universities have invited him for keynote addresses and panel discussions. This new direction allows him to share insights and lessons from his lengthy career, offering inspiration and guidance to different audiences outside of football.
Does Pat Fitzgerald Have A Podcast?
Pat Fitzgerald currently does not host a podcast. Although many former players and coaches venture into podcasting to discuss sports and share their experiences, Fitzgerald has not joined this trend.
Fans might anticipate he could explore this space given his deep knowledge of football. Podcasts could offer him a platform to analyze games, interview fellow athletes and coaches, and connect with the football community in a new way.
Has Pat Fitzgerald Gone Into Broadcasting?
Pat Fitzgerald has started exploring opportunities in broadcasting. There has been interest from networks due to his articulate nature and deep insight into the game.
As a former head coach, his perspective in the commentary box could provide valuable analysis during college football broadcasts. Although he has not yet secured a permanent role, it is a potential avenue for him to stay connected with football and share his expertise more broadly.
What Is Pat Fitzgerald’s Net Worth?
Pat Fitzgerald has had a notable career as a football player and coach. Before his tenure with the Northwestern Wildcats, he played as a linebacker for the team in his college years.
After transitioning into coaching, Fitzgerald’s earnings increased significantly. His salary as the head coach of Northwestern Wildcats reached substantial figures, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten Conference.
Salary Breakdown:
- 2020 Salary: $3.6 million (source)
By 2020, his total net worth was around $20 million, reflecting his substantial earnings over the years (source).
Fitzgerald’s financial success is linked to his long tenure and successful coaching career, which saw him leading the Wildcats from 2006 until 2023. Despite his firing in 2023 due to a hazing scandal (source), his earlier achievements have left a lasting impact on his net worth.
In addition to his salary, Fitzgerald invested in real estate. He owns a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, 10,000 square foot home in Northfield, Illinois (source).