Five Arizona Cardinals Sweethearts for Valentine’s Day
By Jeremy Meek
The Bidwell family has been with the team for more than eighty years
Older Cardinals fans might have some mixed feelings about the Bidwell family. The years in Chicago and St Louis were mostly unsuccessful, and ownership’s unwillingness to spend money was a big part of that. However, in recent years, they have been willing to invest in the team, and it has paid off.
Charles Bidwell purchased the team in 1933, and ran it until his death in 1947, just before the team won its first championship. His wife, Violet then took over until 1962 when it fell to Charles Bidwell Jr and his brother Bill. Bill bought complete control in 1972, and has owned them since.
Bill Bidwell did not lead the team to prosperity for most of his time as owner. Winning seasons were few and far between. Fortunately, over the past decade, he has been more willing to spend, and thus, has helped make the team relevant on a yearly basis.
As Bill enters his mid 80’s, his own sons have moved into leading roles. Michael and Bill Jr are Team President and Vice President, and will lead the team into the future. Though the Bidwell family hasn’t always made fans happy, we send them a valentine for finally doing what is necessary for the team to win big.