The owner of the Arizona Cardinals, William Bidwill, has passed away at age 88.
His son and current President of the Cardinals released a statement Wednesday confirming his death.
“Our dad passed away today the same way he lived his life: peacefully, with grace, dignity and surrounded by family and loved ones.”
-Cardinals President, Michael Bidwill
Since becoming the sole owner of the franchise in 1972, the Cardinals have made the playoffs seven times. This includes their appearance in Super Bowl 43, a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before he became the sole owner, he co-owned the team with his brother, Charles.
Bill and his son were instrumental in building State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. As of 2019, three Super Bowls have been played at State Farm, the most recent being Super Bowl 49 between the Patriots and Seahawks. Super Bowl 57 will be played in Glendale in 2023. The Bidwills’ stadium also holds the Fiesta Bowl.
The late owner oversaw the team’s move from St. Louis to Arizona. They became the third of four professional football teams to leave St. Louis since the NFL was founded in 1920. The Cardinals’ latest appearance in the playoffs was in 2015. This run saw them lose to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game.
It is expected that Bill’s son and Cardinals President Michael Bidwill will succeed him in the owner’s chair. The winless Cardinals will continue their season against the winless Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday, October 6.
Featured Image courtesy of Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic
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