I enjoyed that. ", Photos of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill over the years. Michael Bidwill, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Bill Bidwill. The team announced that Bidwill passed away Wednesday. First published on March 6, 2017 / 2:46 PM. A cause of death wasn't immediately given. She died at the age of 84 years. In addition, she served on the board of the Catholic Community Foundation during the 1990s. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? He moved the team to Arizona in 1988. Bill Bidwill, Michael Bidwill and Hall of Famer Charley Trippi. Bidwill joined the Navy following college before coming to Chicago to help the familys business interests which included the Cardinals in 1956. Nancy Bidwills net worth is unknown. They had five winning seasons from 1972 until Ken Whisenhunt was hired as head coach in 2007, Michael's first year in charge. Bidwill had five children Michael Bidwill, Nicole Bidwill, Patrick Bidwill, Tim Bidwill and William Jr Bidwill. He, Read More Who is James Ellis Dees? The Bidwill family in St. Louis: (from left) Patrick, Bill, Bill Jr., Michael, Nancy, Tim and Nicole. FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2012, file photo, Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill, front, and his son, team president Michael Bidwill, stand on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the . The team announced that Bidwill passed away Wednesday. She was born on March 8, 1932 and died on August 17, 2016 at the age of 84 years at Paradise Valley, Arizona after many years of fighting multiple battles with breast cancer. . All my prayers to the family. Bill Bidwill sits with Senator John McCain and son Michael in Flagstaff at training camp. "We are overwhelmed by the support our family has received, not only now but throughout the latest chapter of his life," Bidwill's son, Cardinals president Michael Bidwill, said in a release. Wiki, Bio, Manifesto, Twitter, Facebook, Ethnicity, Nationality, El Paso Shooting, Parents, Family and Instagram, Christie Smythe (Reporter) Wiki, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Martin Shkreli Wife, Ex-Husband, Linkedin, Instagram, Model Kathy Jacobs Biography, Wiki, Age, Husband, Daughter, Height, Net Worth, Family, Reddit, Sports Illustrated, Instagram. Players complained that they were not paid enough. And he would do it in such a way where there was no fanfare and no calling attention to it.". Charitable contributions also were made through the Cardinals Foundation, formed shortly after the franchise moved from St. Louis to Arizona in 1988. Dedicated to philanthropy (often without any fanfare), Bidwill supported multiple charities throughout his time as Cardinals owner, including the creation of Cardinals Charities, the teams philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting worthy Arizona causes. Nancy and Bill had been married for almost 56 years.She was succeeded by her husband and her five children. We extend our condolences to Bills family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him.. Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, Twitter, Instagram, Who is Veronica Merritt? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) He owned one of the oldest franchises in professional football and rarely talked about it. That cancer appeared to be beat as well but came out of remission in 2014. And he didnt apologize for wanting to remain out of the spotlight. The quiet Bidwill shunned the spotlight, but loved to reminisce and tell a good story, whether it be an anecdote from his time serving in the U.S. Navy or his days growing up around the Cardinals. Bill Bidwill hoists the Halas Trophy after the Cardinals won the NFC Championship in 2008. Ex-NFL owner Jerry Richardson -- the founder of the Carolina Panthers -- has died, his former team announced Thursday. She also was proudly a three term member of the Board of Trustees of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Nancy was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Order of Malta. Bill Bidwill's life with the Cardinals began during his childhood, when he served as a ball boy, back when the team was located on the South Side of Chicago. Bill and wife Nancy with a couple of kids at a charity function. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was one of a number of players, present and past, who expressed their condolences to the Bidwill family. championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. "Sometimes he'd just walk through. Bill Bidwill born William V. Bidwill, Sr., was an American businessman, philanthropist, and the owner of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). News reports at the time said that the sons had not known they were adopted until the stepfather disclosed it in court. The document was first reported Monday by celebrity website TMZ. Bill Bidwill stood between Jerry Stovall, left, a Louisiana State University halfback, and Don Estes, an L.S.U. William V. Bidwill Sr., the longtime owner of the N.F.L.'s Arizona Cardinals, who moved the team from St. Louis to the Phoenix area, died on Tuesday in Phoenix. By Post-Dispatch Staff Reports. Bidwill had a reputation for running the Cardinals rather cheaply; the Cardinals had one of the lowest payrolls in the league for many years. They moved to St. Louis and raised five children: William Jr., Michael, Patrick, Nicole and Timothy. Namath went on to lead the Jets to their only Super Bowl title, in 1969, when they upset the Baltimore Colts. BOSTON (AP) Bill Russell, the NBA great who anchored a Boston . As a young mother she successfully conquered it in 1974. 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. Bill Bidwill, Michael Bidwill and Karlos Dansby after winning the NFC Championship. They moved to St. Louis and raised five children: William Jr., Michael, Patrick, Nicole and Timothy. Unfortunately, breast cancer appeared again in 2003. He was there every day, he was at the practices, he was just a constant. 3:00. While the other football families have enjoyed periods of sustained success, the Cardinals have endured long droughts in their history, which dates to 1898 in Chicago. Bill Bidwill Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife (Nancy Bidwill), Children, Family, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Arizona Cardinals, Ethnicity, Obituary and Funeral . No cause of death has been . Bidwill helped bring Super Bowl XXX to Arizona in 1996, the first of three Super Bowls played in the state . Together they had five children: Nicole, Bill Jr., Patrick, Tim and Michael. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our owner, Bill . In his 57 years as at least part-owner, the Cardinals have only made the playoffs eight times (1974, 1975, 1982, 1998, 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2015). Jake Plummer just said on a conference call that Pat Tillman loved to talk with late Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill while other players were scared of chatting up with the guy who signed their checks. https://t.co/UlOfL1yzqf, Lions owner Martha Ford on the passing of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell pic.twitter.com/ReVtoPoVv2. Charles Bidwill purchased the team, then known as the Chicago Cardinals, from David Jones in 1933. After failing to secure a bigger stadium in St. Louis, where the team shared Busch Stadium with the baseball Cardinals, Bidwill moved the team to Tempe, Ariz., where he secured a 10-year lease to play at the far larger Sun Devil Stadium. Bill Bidwill and defensive end Chike Okeafor talk after the 2008 NFC Championship. Their children are Michael Bidwill who became the President of Arizona cardinals after his father in 2007, Bill Jr., Timothy Bidwill, Nicole Bidwill and Patrick Bidwill a private business man. Bidwill had also publicly pledged to support a future effort to gain an expansion franchise for St. Louis. Bidwill ceded most day-to-day control over the Cardinals to his sons Michael and Bill Jr., who serve as team president and vice president, respectively. After Bidwill's mother Violet passed away in 1962, Bill and his brother Charles Jr. better known as Stormy inherited the team. appreciated. "Although never one to seek the spotlight, Bill had an incredible sense of humor and he made extraordinary contributions to the NFL. A cause of death . Kim Shattuck Bio, Wiki, Age, Husband (Kevin Sutherland), Cause of Death, Net Worth, The Muffs, Family, Children and Instagram, Who is Patrick Crusius (El Paso Shooter)? Who is Bill Bidwill? However, St. Louis eventually gained a new franchise anyway, the relocated Los Angeles Rams in 1995. https://t.co/Vx2djvjHla, Former Pro Bowl FB Ron Wolfley on passing of Bill Bidwill and his works of charity: Even though he didnt experience a lot of success as an NFL owner, he experienced a ton of success as a man., Sending my thoughts and prayers to the entire Bidwill family. She was born on March 8, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, United States and died on August 17, 2016 in Arizona, United States. "Once he stopped coming by the facility, I would always stop by the holidays or his birthday and see him, make sure to let him know I was thinking about him," Fitzgerald said. A cause of death wasnt immediately given. Quarterback Kyler Murray (right) was among the players who attended the funeral of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill in Phoenix. He was 88. Bidwill died on October 2, 2019 at age 88. Born in Chicago, Bidwill began working for the Cardinals franchise as a ball boy after his father bought the team in 1932, the year after Bill was born. Bill Bidwill in a hard hat at the stadium construction site. TEMPE, Ariz. -- Longtime Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill died Wednesday while surrounded by his family and loved ones, the team announced. Your email address will not be published. Bill Bidwill talks to reporters after winning the NFC Championship game. 3, First-year head coach makes additions to his first group, Georgia defensive lineman facing legal trouble after fatal crash, No timeline for Kyler, no answer on Hopkins as Cardinals braintrust settles in Indy, Ossenfort, Gannon have No. Metcalf played out his option, and Coryell departed for the San Diego Chargers. Wiki, Biography, Age, Photo ShootContinue, James Ellis Dees Bio James Ellis Dees Wiki James Ellis Dees is a former commercial pilot, who arrest fired by Endeavor Air after police say he wrote pro-Trump and racist graffiti at the Tallahassee International Airport. As a youth, Bidwill served as a ballboy for the then-Chicago Cardinals. She got to married William V. Bidwill on September 1, 1960. Please make sure you review the updates. Bill Bidwill holds up the Halas Trophy after the Cardinals won the NFC championship in 2008. Bill Bidwill giving back to the community. He played high school football at Georgetown Prep in Maryland he was named to that schools athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and was named a Cardinals vice president once he attended Georgetown University. The team announced that Bidwill passed away Wednesday. He had five children: Michael Bidwill, Nicole Bidwill, Patrick Bidwill, Tim Bidwill, and William Jr Bidwill. On the teams website, the team President Michael Bidwill posted this message: With sadness, I am passing along the news that my mother has lost her long and valiant battle with breast cancer. His death was announced hours before the Oscars. Consider uploading your photo of Bill Bidwill so that your pictures are included in Bill Bidwill's genealogy, . He understood how special that turning of the corner was. ", Bidwill, owner of NFL's Cardinals, dies at age 88, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? But by 1977 the party was over. It's a sad day.". Discovery Company. Charitable contributions also were made through the Cardinals Foundation, formed shortly . We extend our condolences to Bill's family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him. Following the move to State Farm Stadium in 2006, the team began to spend more money. The brothers inherited the Big Red after their mother's sudden passing in 1961. My dad passed away a year ago, he always remembered Mr Bidwell's kindness. the team's philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting worthy Arizona causes. Bidwill long ago expressed his devotion to the team and professional football, telling a reporter in 1978, This is what I know how to do and what I love to do., He added, I would never consider getting out of it.. He had an his elder brother Charles Bidwill who was also adopted. He moved the team from St. Louis to Arizona and presided over five playoff appearances, but never won a Super Bowl. Harris left three years later to attend college, and when she returned to the club in 1978, she became the first minority female executive in the NFL when she served more than 20 years as the teams director of community relations. After the death of Ralph Wilson in March 2014, Bidwill became the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Bill Bidwill owned the team from 1962 - when he shared it with his brother Stormy until he bought it outright in 1972 - until his death in 2019. He worked for the franchise full-time beginning in 1960, the year the franchise moved to St. Louis. Bidwill also hired Adele Harris, an African-American woman, to be a public relations assistant in 1971. Bidwill and football were as intertwined as strands . According to the Cardinals website, Bidwill became sole owner in 1972 when he bought his brothers stake in the team. He presented a buy-sell agreement to Bill and gave him the first shot to purchase the team. Bill Bidwill with first-round pick Beanie Wells and GM Rod Graves in 2009. But privately he was an extremely charitable man, distributing money to many local causes, usually done quietly with no publicity. In 2010, Bidwill was honored with the Tank Younger Award signifying an NFL official who has made an impact in minority hiring from the Fritz Pollard Alliance. Amanda St. Amand. The team also reached the NFC Championship game in 2015. After Bidwills mother Violet passed away in 1962, Bill and his brother Charles Jr. better known as Stormy inherited the team. Her resolute determination, outstanding medical team, family and strong faith got her through each battle until the chemotherapy could no longer stop the cancer from spreading. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled against him in 1963. Bill Bidwill's wife, Nancy Bidwill, passed away in August of 2016. Bill Bidwill when Kurt Warner signed with the Cardinals in 2005. July 31, 2022 10:57 AM. Together with her husband they had five children. Oct. 2, 2019. The Cardinals established the Bill Bidwill Coaching Fellowship in 2015 as a way to promote and increase diversity on their coaching staff. Read more . He was 88. When Bidwills mother died of a heart attack in a doctors office, her second husband fought unsuccessfully in court for ownership of the team, arguing that because the sons had been adopted, they were not eligible to inherit it. [1] Among NFL franchises, only the Chicago Bears and New York Giants have been controlled by one family longer than the Cardinals. "Obviously when we talk about the game of football, there's a scoreboard and there's wins and losses on the field," said Hall of Fame defensive back Aeneas Williams, who played 10 years for the Cardinals. Bidwill with the George S. Halas trophy after the Cardinals won the N.F.C. Bill Bidwill enjoying the NFC Championship in 2008. He was married to his wife Nancy Bidwill from 1960 until her death in August 2016. Wiki, Biography, Age, Killed in Alligator Attack, Who is Ryan Mills? Im a fellow who was raised in the sports business. William V. Bidwill, who owned the NFL's Cardinals franchise in three cities, has died. He was 88. Bill Bidwill watches from a golf cart during training camp in Flagstaff. Bill Bidwill talks with a fan at the team's Kickoff Luncheon. [3][4] Bidwill attended Georgetown Preparatory School, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy until 1956. I think both Navy, guys. 2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Bill Bidwill death. Bidwill has owned the Cardinals since 1972. Bill Bidwill had quite an impact on the NFL during his lengthy tenure as the owner of the Cardinals. Bill Bidwill Wife Bill Bidwill had been married to his wife Nancy Bidwill from 1960 until her death in 2016. Bidwills wife of 56 years, Nancy (Lavezorrio), died in 2016. After his death at age 51 in 1947,[6] his widow authorized business partner Ray Bennigsen to carry on management of the team. To get to know him not just as the owner of the team but as an individual and I got to hear him through his voice. William Vogel Bidwill (July 31, 1931 - October 2, 2019) was an American businessman and the owner of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). In his 61 years as at least part-owner, the Cardinals only made the playoffs eight times (1974, 1975, 1982, 1998, 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2015) and had only nine other winning seasons. He had co-owned the team from 1962 for ten seasons with his brother Charles Jr. and had been sole owner from 1972 until his death in 2019. Published "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. Bidwill was an early proponent of front office minority hiring in the NFL. We are especially grateful to the nurses, doctors and other caregivers whose endless kindness and compassion in recent years have made our dads life so meaningful. The team announced that Bidwill passed away Wednesday. READ NEXT: Javier Pelos Garcia (Welterweight) Bio, Age, Wiki, Death, Wife, Net Worth. Michael Bidwill, Dan Rooney, Bill Bidwill and Art Rooney II, NFL legacy families. Bill Bidwill working the Cardinals' annual "Feed The Hungry" event at Phoenix Rescue Mission. At the time of his passing, he was the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. Bidwill died on 2 October 2019 at . ", In Remembrance of Mr. "I truly miss the times we shared together. Although never one to seek the spotlight, Bill had an incredible sense of humor and he made extraordinary contributions to the NFL, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Bill Bidwill ignored critics as the team went a half-century without a playoff victory before making it as a wild card team in 1998 and upsetting . Bidwill gave up day-to-day operations to Michael in 2007, when Michael became the team president. Bill Bidwills cause of death was not revealed. Young Bidwill was a ballboy for the 1947 team that won the franchise's lone NFL championship. Wiki, Biography, Age, Spouse, Net WorthContinue, Larry Millet Wiki Larry Millet Biography Larry Millett, Husband Maya. We extend our condolences to Bills family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him., Key developments evolving in sale of Brauer Museum artwork by Valparaiso University, Its Chicagos fake birthday: Here are 30 essential foods and drinks to celebrate, from Rainbow Cone to Malrt, Carol Stream man, 35, dies in custody at Cook County Jail, officials say, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The Cardinals went on to lose to the Steelers in the Super Bowl. In addition to his son Michael, he is survived by his brother; four other children, Bill Jr., Nicole, Patrick and Tim Bidwill; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Getty. Bidwill's ownership was marked by little success. She attended grade school at Covenant of the Sacred Heart in Chicago, IL, high school at Villa Duchesne in St. Louis, MO and received her baccalaureate degree from Barat College in Lake Forest, IL. The grave site of Bill Bidwill. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) He owned one of the oldest franchises in professional football and rarely talked about it. Violet Bidwill was born Violet Fults . They won two more division titles in 2009 and 2015. Paxton starred in films such as Twister, Titanic and Aliens and the HBO series Big Love.. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. "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.". He started as a ball boy as a child and went to work for the team full time in 1960 -- the Cardinals' first season in St. Louis -- after a stint in the Navy. Bill Bidwill Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bidwill and his elder brother Charles adopted by Charles and Violet Bidwill. He moved the team to Phoenix, Arizona prior to the 1988 season after St. Louis refused to build a new stadium to replace Busch Memorial Stadium. Bill Bidwill with first-round draft pick running back Ottis Anderson in 1979. Bidwill was an early proponent of front office minority hiring in the NFL. The prolific actor died late on Feb. 25. [8] After the death of Ralph Wilson in March 2014, Bidwill became the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. To his surprise, Bill came up with the money, a reported $6,000,000. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Instead, he voted to approve a new franchise in Jacksonville, Florida. Bill Bidwill and then-Eagles owner Norman Braman in the 1980s. She passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by close family members. "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. Larry Wilson, Nancy Bidwill, Nancy Wilson and Bill Bidwill. Obviously, I was a part of it with Rod Graves and Dennis Green when he hired the first general manager and head coach to work together at the same time; that was groundbreaking. Bidwill helped bring Super Bowl XXX to Arizona in 1996, the first of three Super Bowls played in the state thus far, and worked with son Michael to shepherd the construction of State Farm Stadium, which opened in 2006. Javier Pelos Garcia (Welterweight) Bio, Age, Wiki, Death, Wife, Net Worth, The radio equipment directive (RED) governs radio equipment. His father, Charles W. Bidwill Sr., who was involved in horse racing, bought the Cardinals for $50,000 (the equivalent of about $900,000 today) in 1932. Did you encounter any technical issues? Bidwill also has two other sons, Patrick and Tim, and a daughter, Nicole. In recent years he had stepped away from running the team. Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Member of Pro Football Writers of America. Plot #86226901. Wiki, Biography, Age, Spouse, Net Worth, Who is Larry Millete? People on social, Read More Who is Cherie Louise? To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! William V. "Bill" Bidwill, Sr. (born July 31, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois) is the principal owner and chairman of the board of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. William V. Bidwill, who owned the NFL's Cardinals franchise in three cities, has died. He was born on 31 July 1931 and died on October 2, 2019, at the age of 88. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) He owned one of the oldest franchises in professional football and rarely talked about it. William V. "Bill" Bidwill would much rather tell stories about growing up in Chi (Photo by Sophia Briseo/Cronkite News) Hundreds of mourners attended Tuesday's memorial services for Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill at . He loved sharing old stories about football and about the organization. With or without Murphy, team needs to add coverage help, Demand for signal-callers will impact No. But privately he was an extremely charitable man, distributing money to . Trusted information source for millions of people worldwide . We extend our condolences to Bill's family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him.". ?? The team started 7-3, then lost its last four games to finish 7-7. Over her last 13 years, she demonstrated her unique ability to fight with both strength and grace. The increased revenue paid off in 2008, when the Cardinals won their division for the first time since 1975 (when the team was based in St. Louis), hosted a playoff game for only the second time in franchise history (the previous coming in 1947 as a Chicago team) and advanced to Super Bowl XLIII. Nancy Bidwills cause od death was breast cancer which she had been battling for many years. They won two more division titles in 2009 and 2015. They made the playoffs two seasons in a row. We extend our condolences to Bills family and the Cardinals organization, which along with his faith, meant so much to him., We are saddened to share that @AZCardinals owner Bill Bidwill has passed away at age 88. pic.twitter.com/2GpwUxEfEO. BRead by Larry Fitzgerald pic.twitter.com/YKAO0Awtrp. Goodbye, Mr. B: Friends, family, team celebrate life of Cardinals' Bidwill. Sad to hear of the passing of @AZCardinals owner Bill Bidwell. "We are overwhelmed by the support our family has received, not only now but throughout the latest chapter of his life. Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Charges, ArrestedContinue, Jerry Garcia Bio: He was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. "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 said in a statement. The Bidwill family gathers at the ring ceremony for the NFC Championship. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Bill Bidwill was an American Businessman and the sole owner of theArizona Cardinals. She was committed to community work around her childrens schools, visiting hospitals, serving on the Crozier Dinner Committee for years and chairing it in 1993. Explore historical records and family tree profiles about William Bidwill on MyHeritage, the world's family history network. Nancys life was marked by multiple battles with breast cancer. Bill Bidwill with a picture of his father Charles. I think you're starting to see that more often now, and he was doing it a long time ago.". TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) William V. Bidwill, who owned the NFL's Cardinals franchise in three cities, has died. Laser Tattoo Removal Benefits: What Are They? Bidwill had also publicly pledged to support a future effort to gain an expansion franchise for St. Louis. Bill Bidwill talks with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in 2011. Death Index, 1837-2005; England Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991; California, County Marriages, 1850-1952; U.S . "Get to know Bill Bidwill, the Arizona Cardinals' owner", "Arizona Cardinals chairman Bill Bidwill, 'a bruising runner,' inducted into high school's hall of fame", "Long, rocky history marks Bidwills' ownership", "Cardinals Mourn Passing Of Owner Bill Bidwill", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Bidwill&oldid=1141992356, North American Soccer League (19681984) executives, Pages using infobox person with multiple parents, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 23:21. the team has only won 42.6 percent of its games, lost to the Steelers, in the closing seconds of the game, 27-23. Bidwill's father, Charles, bought . Definitely before his time, and he was a forward-thinking person. Charles Bidwill had purchased the Chicago Cardinals in 1933 and would eventually acquire horse and dog tracks in Chicago and Florida, all of which Ms. Bidwill inherited at the time of Charley's death. She loved her many dogs she had over the years. Bill Bidwill. At the time of his passing, he was the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. However, some people have accused social media of highlighting the beauty of photo shopping and making big gigs. "He didn't care about the color of your skin or race or the gender; if he felt like you could do the job to the best of your ability to help us become better, then you were the right person for it. Bill Bidwill, who owned the football Cardinals when the club played in St. Louis, died Wednesday at age 88.