ASU Football: Coach Edwards pays homage to John McCain

John McCain, an Arizona political figure and icon, passed away Saturday at the age of 81, and ASU football head coach Herm Edwards praised the late senator.

Arizona Sen. John McCain passed away Saturday afternoon, and ASU coach Herm Edwards paid his respects to the long-time political figure.

“He is truly an American hero, there’s no doubt about it,” Edwards said. “He is a guy that brings people together, and that’s a sad loss for our country.”

McCain, who was 81 years old, died of brain cancer. On Friday, his family announced that he would no longer treat the disease.

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At the media availability, Edwards told reporters he wanted to visit McCain before he died. Although he did not have that chance, Edwards said he had great respect for the late senator.

“I never met him personally, but from afar, I respected the man for what he stood for and who he was,” Edwards said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all his loved ones because we truly will miss that man.”

In addition to his 36 years in Congress, McCain was also a distinguished veteran. Serving in the Navy in Vietnam, he was a captain and awarded with dozens of honors.

Growing up in a military family in which his father served in World War II, Edwards said he values the sacrifice of veterans like McCain.

“I understand the discipline that goes along with being a service person protecting our freedoms,” Edwards said. “There’s people making sacrifices everyday — you don’t know who they are — away from their families for years at a time and giving us the ability to coach football.”

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand from Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.