"Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald spent the early part of the off-season traveling the world - the Middle East, Africa, Europe - but he returned to work this week, accompanied by some friends.

NFL players are locked out of team facilities, but 20 Cardinals players gathered Tuesday morning at Arizona State's practice field and weight room to work out informally. Players were happy with the turnout, especially because only eight to 10 showed up Monday, the first day.

"Fitz put the word out, and guys have responded," offensive lineman Rex Hadnot said. "This is what being a pro is about, when things aren't going the way they've always gone, you continue to do what you must do to put yourself in a successful situation."

Fitzgerald was the moving force behind the workouts, which included running back Tim Hightower, center Lyle Sendlein linebacker Clark Haggans and quarterbacks John Skelton and Max Hall.

Fitzgerald arranged for his personal trainer, Bill Welle, to fly in from his home in Minnesota. He put the Cardinals through about an hour of agility drills.

Fitzgerald also was on the phone Monday with retired NFL receivers coach Jerry Sullivan, a former assistant with the Cardinals and most recently the 49ers. Sullivan left his home in Austin that day and will work Cardinals receivers through the week.

"I'm not pressuring anybody," Fitzgerald said. "I tried to call all my teammates, guys I thought would be in town and just say, 'Hey, if you want to get together, I'm more than happy to have you in. I'll get the footballs. I'll bring the trainer. Just bring your cleats and some water.' ""