Bill Bidwill Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife (Nancy Bidwill), Children, Family, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Arizona Cardinals, Ethnicity, Obituary and Funeral
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Bill Bidwill Bio – Bill Bidwill Wiki
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).
As a youth, Bidwill served as a ballboy for the then-Chicago Cardinals. He played high school football at Georgetown Prep in Maryland – he was named to that school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 — and was named a Cardinals vice president once he attended Georgetown University.
Bidwill joined the Navy following college before coming to Chicago to help the family’s business interests – which included the Cardinals – in 1956. He worked for the franchise full-time beginning in 1960, the year the franchise moved to St. Louis. After Bidwill’s mother Violet passed away in 1962, Bill and his brother Charles Jr. – better known as Stormy – inherited the team. Bill purchased Stormy’s share of the franchise in 1972, and the Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988.
Bidwill was an early proponent of front office minority hiring in the NFL. He brought in Bob Wallace to be the team’s general counsel and chief contract negotiator in 1981. Bidwill also hired Adele Harris, an African-American woman, to be a public relations assistant in 1971. 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 team’s director of community relations
In 2004, Bidwill promoted Rod Graves to General Manager and named Dennis Green head coach, making the Cardinals the first franchise with minorities in both posts at the same time.
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. Dedicated to philanthropy (often without any fanfare), Bidwill supported multiple charities throughout his time as Cardinals’ owner, including the creation of Cardinals Charities, the team’s philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting worthy Arizona causes.
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.
Bill Bidwill Age
He was born on July 31, 1931, Chicago, Illinois, United States. He died October 2, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 88 years old.
Bill Bidwill Wife
He was married to his wife Nancy Bidwill from 1960 until her death in August 2016.
Bill Bidwill Children
He had five children: Michael Bidwill, Nicole Bidwill, Patrick Bidwill, Tim Bidwill, and William Jr Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill Family
He was the adopted son of Charles Bidwill and Violet Bidwill. He had an his elder brother Charles Bidwill who was also adopted.
Bill Bidwill Death
Bidwill died on October 2, 2019 at age 88. His death was confirmed by the Cardinals President Michael Bidwill in a statement:
“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. “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.”
In Remembrance of Mr. B
Read by Larry Fitzgerald pic.twitter.com/YKAO0Awtrp
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 2, 2019
“Bill Bidwill was part of the NFL family his entire life, starting from his days as a ball boy through his time as an owner,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Although never one to seek the spotlight, Bill had an incredible sense of humor and he made extraordinary contributions to the NFL. Bill’s vision brought the Cardinals, the NFL and multiple Super Bowls to Arizona. 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. We extend our condolences to Bill’s 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
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2019
Bill Bidwill’s wife, Nancy Bidwill, passed away in August of 2016. He is survived by his five children — Bill Jr., Michael, Nicole, Patrick and Tim — and 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Bill Bidwill Cause of Death – How Did Bill Bidwill Die
Bill Bidwill’s cause of death was not revealed.
Bill Bidwill Net Worth
Bill Bidwill’s net worth was estimated to be $1.4 billion.
