Bill Bidwill, the owner of the Arizona Cardinals, died Wednesday while surrounded by his family and loved ones, the team announced. He was 88.
“We are overwhelmed by the support our family has received, not only now but throughout the latest chapter of his life,” Cardinals president Michael Bidwill, Bill bidwill’s son, said. “We are especially grateful to the nurses, doctors and other caregivers whose endless kindness and compassion in recent years have made our dad’s life so meaningful. Above all else, we will remember him as a man devoted to the three central pillars of his life — his immense faith, his love for his family and his life-long passion for the Cardinals and the sport of football.”
Bill Bidwill was connected with the Cardinals for more than 85 years after his father, Charles, bought the Chicago Cardinals in 1932. He started as a ball boy as a child and went to work for the team full time in 1960, which was the team’s first season in St. Louis. The team moved to Arizona in 1988.
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“Bill brought the Cardinals to Arizona over three decades ago, helping pioneer Arizona’s professional sports identity,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. “He was pivotal to bringing Arizona’s first Super Bowl to the state in 1996, as well as two more in 2008 and 2015. He stood out among NFL owners for his kindness, good nature and leadership, and was an early proponent of bringing more diversity into the team’s front office. “Living to the age of 88, with five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, his was a life truly well lived — and his impact and legacy will live on,” Ducey said. ” My deepest condolences go out to the entire Bidwill family during this difficult time.” |
