At 88 years old, the Arizona Cardinals lost longtime owner Bill Bidwill. He passed away surrounded by his family and loved ones according to multiple reports. As a child, Bidwill served as a ballboy for the Chicago Cardinals, which is easily one of the best origin stories of any NFL owner. Since 1972, Bidwill has been the sole owner and chairman of the Cardinals organization.
Here is the statement released by CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt via Chiefs’ social media channels.
“On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization, we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bidwill family and the Arizona Cardinals. As one of the longest-tenured owners in professional football, Bill built and cared for his franchise with the utmost passion and integrity. He always put the best interests of the league first and his philanthropy made a lasting impact in communities throughout Arizona. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and grandchildren.”
Bidwill is largely responsible for the Cardinals playing and remaining in Arizona. The franchise didn’t see a lot of mainstream success during Bidwill’s tenure as an owner, with a single Super Bowl appearance in 2008, but he was always forward-thinking with many diversity hires and philanthropic efforts.
Bidwill is survived by five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His son Michael, who is the Cardinals team president, will likely take over day-to-day ownership responsibilities.
