The Bidwill family has essentially been with the Arizona Cardinals organization since the beginning. Or at least close to it. However, the future of the team is now a bit cloudy as the team has announced that owner Bill Bidwill has passed away at the age of 88.
The team announced the passing via social media, posting a couple of messages on social media and the team’s website remembering their owner.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our owner, Bill Bidwill, has passed away today at the age of 88. pic.twitter.com/xgNiGvShiF
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 2, 2019
Another was from Bill’s son, Michael, which read:
“Our dad passed away today the same way he lived his life: peacefully, with grace, dignity and surrounded by family and loved ones. We are overwhelmed by the support our family has received, not only now but throughout the latest chapter of his life. 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’s father, Charles, bought the Cardinals – the still in Chicago – in 1933. After Charles’ death, Bill’s mother, Violet, moved the team to St. Louis. Before the start of the 1988 season, the team again moved, this time to Phoenix, Arizona.
It was before that, in 1972, specifically, that Bill took over as the team’s owner. (Only the New York Giants and Chicago Bears have been owned by members of a single family longer than the Cardinals have been.
Though it seems unlikely the team will be sold – at least to someone outside the family – there is certain to be somewhat of a transition in terms of ownership following Bill’s passing. Michael and his brother, Bill Jr., have been handling day-to-day duties for some time now, however. So it may just end up being a change in job titles.
Bill Bidwill served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school until 1956. He then went on to graduate from Georgetown University. Upon graduating, he moved to St. Louis and was involved with the organization until his death.
Under Bidwill’s ownership, the team made it to Super Bowl XLIII, but lost to the Steelers, 27-23, in one of the most memorable title games of the modern era.
