Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill dies at 88
The Arizona Cardinals announced on Wednesday that team owner Bill Bidwill has died. He was 88 years old.
Bidwill was the principal owner of the Cardinals since 1972. He and his brother Charles Jr. inherited the franchise upon their mother’s death in 1962. His father Charles bought the team in 1932 when it was based in Chicago.
Bidwill moved Cardinals to Arizona
Bill bought Charles Jr. out of his share in 1972. He moved the franchise from St. Louis to Phoenix in 1988.
His son Michael Bidwill is president of the Cardinals. He is assumed to take over control of the franchise.
The NFL released a statment on Bidwill’s death from commissioner Roger Goodell:
“Bill Bidwill was part of the NFL family his entire life, starting from his days as a ball boy through his time as an owner. Although never one to seek the spotlight, Bill had an incredible sense of humor and he made extraordinary contributions to the NFL. Bill's vision brought the Cardinals, the NFL and multiple Super Bowls to Arizona. He was a leader in embracing diversity and employed the first African American female executive, and the first African American general manager and head coach tandem. We extend our condolences to Bill's family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him.”
Bidwill and his wife Nancy, who died in 2016, had five children — Nicole, Bill Jr., Michael, Patrick and Timothy.
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