Larry Fitzgerald has an important job Thursday, before the Cardinals finish out the preseason with a home game against the Broncos. He will deliver a reading at the Phoenix North Baptist Church ceremony for the passing of Fitz's friend, Senator John McCain. McCain passed away Saturday. Fitzgerald will be one of a handful of people scheduled to deliver a "tribute or reading."

The others also speaking: Former vice president Joe Biden, former McCain chief of staff and Arizona state attorney general Grant Woods, businessman Tommy Espinoza, McCain's son Andrew and his daughter Bridget.

Fitzgerald is one of three prominent Arizona athletes taking part in the service. Former Arizona Coyotes forward Shane Doan and former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez will be among the many pallbearers.

Fitzgerald has been close with McCain for a long time. McCain came to training camp in August of 2017, talking to Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer and Michael Bidwill at a practice, discussing his health issues. Fitzgerald then visited McCain in February, a moment immortalized on Twitter.

"He was a wonderful mentor to me," Fitzgerald told azfamily.com. "Served this country for so long. I learned a great deal from him. The stories that he's imparted and shared with me over the years. I can't tell you how honored I am to go up there and say a few words about a man who everybody loves and respects,"