Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill dead at 88

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Bill Bidwill, the longtime owner of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, died Wednesday, the team announced, He was 88.

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Team officials announced Bidwill's death shortly after 11 a.m., KTVK reported.

"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."

The Bidwill family has owned the Cardinals franchise since 1933 when Charles Bidwill Sr. bought the team when it was based in Chicago. Bill Bidwill's mother, Violet Bidwill, took over the team in 1947 after her husband's death and moved the franchise to St. Louis for the 1960 season. Bill Bidwill and his brother, Charles Bidwill Jr., took over the team when their mother died in 1962.

Bill Bidwill bought out his brother's share of the team in 1972, and later moved the franchise to Arizona in 1985.

Born July 31, 1931, Bill Bidwill's service with the Cardinals began as a child, when he was a ballboy for the team, KOLD reported. He served in the U.S. Navy before joining the Cardinals as a full-time employee in 1960, KTVK reported.

Bill Bidwill is survived by his five children -- Bill Jr., Michael, Nicole, Patrick and Tim -- and 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, KOLD reported. His wife, Nancy, died in 2016.

Cox Media Group