TEMPE, Ariz. — The temperature was well into triple digits and sweat-soaked Larry Fitzgerald was still going full bore, hauling in passes from Sam Bradford and Josh Rosen.

Entering his 15th season, with career receiving numbers among the best to have played the game, Fitzgerald is not talking about whether this year in the NFL will be his last.

“I’m just trying to make it to February in one piece,” he said after the team’s second day of minicamp on Wednesday.

Fitzgerald, who will turn 35 before the season begins, has taken part in every voluntary session with the same competitive mindset he’s always had. As silly as it sounds, he said he plays like his job is on the line.

“When I say that I’m not saying it jokingly, that’s the mentality that you have to have,” he said. “All these guys, they’re not bringing them in here for their own health. They’re bringing them here to give them the opportunity to take your job. That’s not lost on me ever. I’m fighting and competing just like everybody else is.”

New coach Steve Wilks treasures having someone like Fitzgerald to help the Cardinals transition into a new system with the retirement of Bruce Arians.

“His commitment to this team, to this organization is invaluable,” Wilks said. “It means a lot to me as a first-year head coach, a guy like that who can be an extension of you in the locker room, a true leader.”

Fitzgerald is No. 1, with a lot of competition as to who will line up at the other receiver spots.

“The speed of the pack is determined by the speed of the leader,” Wilks said. “He’s one of the leaders. Guys are going to fall in line with him. The younger receivers are going to take his lead. It’s great to have him out there. Not just being out there, but the way he goes about his business.”

Fitzgerald said Wilks asked him to be there during voluntary OTAs and was effusive in his praise of new receivers coach Kevin Garver, who was assistant receivers coach in Arians’ five seasons in Arizona.