GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The "old man" comment didn't irk Larry Fitzgerald, he just deflected it by saying something about gray hair to some of the reporters asking him questions.

And yet it's almost hard to believe that Fitzgerald, one of the most recognizable personalities on the Arizona Cardinals, has been with the team since 2004 and is entering his 12th season in the NFL.

The eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is 31 years old.

"It's great to be back and be around so many familiar faces and get back into the swing of things," Fitzgerald said. "It's always fun, obviously, to get on the field again."

Fitzgerald reflected on when he first joined the Cardinals in 2004. They were still playing in Sun Devil Stadium on the Arizona State University campus.

"A lot has changed. We didn't have the additions to the facility, new uniforms, a lot of different things. Not many fans in Sun Devil Stadium, and here we've sold out every single game (at University of Phoenix Stadium). It's just a lot of differences and that's a great thing for us," Fitzgerald said.

The attitude toward the team has also changed in the local area, Fitzgerald said.

"You see the difference in the fan support. Every time I go out in the city, people are really excited about what we're doing," he said.

Fitzgerald said it feels good to still be a Cardinal.

"This is where I started and I'll be able to finish my career here," said Fitzgerald, who is under contract through 2016. "That's something you don't see too often in the National Football League and sports in general. I feel very blessed and I'm glad that they gave me the opportunity to come back."