CHICAGO, April 28 (UPI) -- Despite nearly crashing Jason White's 2003 Heisman Trophy party, Larry Fitzgerald felt nervous heading into the 2004 NFL Draft.
But he went on to become one of the league's premier players.
This week, he offered advice to the upcoming draft class about how to mirror his success. Fitzgerald, 32, offered insight to the talented youngsters in an article for the Players' Tribune. The letter is titled: "An Open Letter to the 2016 NFL Draft Class.
"I remember back when I was in your position," Fitzgerald wrote in the letter. "I felt that same excitement and the eagerness you're experiencing right now. You're so close, man. I also still recall the uneasiness that you're probably feeling right now. There's a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds. When many of you were looking at colleges, you had your pick of several schools and got to choose the right one for you. Now, all you can do is sit back, wait and hope that the right NFL team chooses you. That's kind of daunting."
The veteran Arizona Cardinals wide receiver recalls what an honor it is to be drafted into the ranks of the NFL, but cautions the rookies to not be complacent upon being picked up by a team.
Fitzgerald also advises to keep inner circles small and honest. He talks about how he didn't attend the 2004 NFL Draft, despite being selected No. 3 overall. Instead, Fitzgerald opted to rent out a ballroom and fill it with his friends, family, and all those who helped him get to that point in his career.
"When you do join your team for your rookie season, make sure you keep your mouth shut and your eyes open," Fitzgerald advises.
"When I first came to the Cardinals, I tried to make sure I only caught the attention of the veterans because of my play on the field. I was fortunate to share a locker room with Emmitt Smith, and I was struck by the way he conducted himself. This guy was the leading rusher in NFL history, and he played 14 years in this league. I figured he must know a lot of things I didn't, so I watched him closely. I watched the way he ate, how he trained and how he generally handled himself on a day-to-day basis. I learned so much just from watching Emmitt, and I'm really thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from him."
Fitzgerald says that defensive backs Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu are two of the hardest working rookies he's even been around. He also says that they followed his path of keeping their mouths quiet, while letting their effort do the talking.
"I understand the draft process is exhausting, but the real work is just about to begin," Fitzgerald wrote. "Continue to push yourself to become a better athlete and a better person every day. And recognize that you are now a pillar of your community. A lot of kids are going to look up to you, so recognize that and try to serve as a good example for them. Be an asset to your organization on and off the field, and you'll have a very long career in this league. I promise you that."
"Congratulations for what you've accomplished thus far and for what's to come. You've earned it." Fitzgerald is a 12-year NFL veteran, with 1,018 career receptions for 13,366 yards and 98 touchdowns. He has started in all 16 regular season games eight times in his career.
Despite a career-best 109 receptions last season, Fitzgerald told Arizona Sports 98.7 this offseason that he will speak to his family about the possibility of retiring after the season.
"When I committed to doing two more years, I'm focused on two, and after the season — hopefully it's in February — I'll sit down with my family and think about it, what I want to do moving forward, but it's been a great run and I really enjoy being in this community and playing for this organization."
Fitzgerald signed a two-year, $22 million contract in February 2015. The deal is fully guaranteed.
