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William V. Bidwill’s association with the Cardinals began as a child ball boy on Chicago’s South Side and continues today as owner and president.
A native of Chicago, Bill Bidwill presides over the oldest continuously-operated professional football franchise. Founded in 1898, the Cardinals join the Chicago Bears as the only two remaining charter members of the National Football League (1920).
The Cardinals have remained in the Bidwill family since Bill’s father, Charles, a prominent Chicago sports figure and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, purchased the team in 1932. Charles ran the club until his death in the Cardinals’ NFL championship year of 1947.
Charles’ wife, Violet, guided the franchise’s fortunes for the next 15 years, followed jointly by sons Bill and Charles, Jr. (Stormy). Bill became sole owner in 1972.
Named a Cardinal vice president during his undergraduate days at Georgetown University, Bill Bidwill returned to Chicago from the Navy in 1956 to begin assisting family interests that included football. When the Cardinals moved to St. Louis in 1960, Bidwill returned to the organization on a full-time basis.
The 75-year-old Bidwill remains involved in all areas of the Cardinals’ day-to-day operation. He operates the organization in south Tempe, Arizona from its award-winning training facility the team has called home since construction was completed in September, 1990. Of course, in August of 2006 the team begins play in the new state-of-the-art Cardinals Stadium, which will give the 100+ year old franchise its first true home.
Arizona will host its second Super Bowl when the game is played at Cardinals Stadium in February of 2008. Bidwill was credited with his leading role in bringing Super Bowl XXX to Arizona on January 28, 1996. He also was a pivotal voice in Arizona’s original award of Super Bowl XXVII.
An active supporter of various civic and charitable organizations and endeavors, Bidwill directed the formation of Cardinals Charities, the team’s organization dedicated to supporting worthy Arizona causes, shortly after the Cardinals arrived in the state.
Bidwill currently is seated on the NFL Broadcasting Committee as well as the NFL Business Ventures Committee. He is also co-chair of the Board of Trustees for the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle Player Benefit Plan.
Bidwill and his wife, Nancy, are the parents of five children and have eight grandchildren. | 