The Arizona Cardinals owner will join his father in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
The Arizona Cardinals announced today that owner Michael Bidwill will be going into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
From the team:
The eight-member 2024/2025 class consists of Bidwill, former Olympic and Arizona State swimmer Melissa Belote Ripley, former University of Arizona basketball player Mike Bibby, former U.S. Women’s soccer star and Mesa native Julie Ertz, former Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola Jr., former University of Arizona football standout Ricky Hunley, former MLB player and Scottsdale high school star Paul Konerko and Matt Shott, the former Senior Director of Amateur Hockey Development for the Arizona Coyotes.
Bidwill becomes the sixth member of the Cardinals organization to be elected to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. He joins his late father, Bill Bidwill, WR Larry Fitzgerald, S Pat Tillman, S Adrian Wilson and QB Jake Plummer.
The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have made exceptional contributions to sports in Arizona.
Bidwill has been steering the Cardinals organization for nearly two decades. His leadership during that time has been instrumental in transforming the franchise both on and off the field. Bidwill practiced law for six years as a federal prosecutor but in 1996 returned to the team for which he had once worked as a ball boy. After 13 seasons (2007-19) as team President, Bidwill became owner following the 2019 passing of his father, Bill. Michael continues a tradition of Bidwill ownership of the Cardinals that began when his grandfather and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Bidwill purchased the team in 1933.
Since taking over as team President, the Cardinals have posted five double-digit win seasons, including a franchise-record 13 victories in 2015. Of the Cardinals’ seven postseason wins, five have come during Bidwill’s tenure leading the franchise. In 2021, Arizona posted an 11-6 record on its way to its fifth postseason berth under Michael’s leadership.
Among Bidwill’s most significant accomplishments in his time leading the Cardinals is the creation of State Farm Stadium, which has hosted three Super Bowls since its opening (Super Bowl XLII, Super Bowl XLIX, Super Bowl LVII). The world-class venue has not only been critical for the franchise but has also resulted in over $6 billion in economic impact for the state of Arizona. In addition to his role in helping Arizona land three Super Bowls at the venue, Michael was also instrumental in getting the 2015 Pro Bowl moved to State Farm Stadium; played a week before Super Bowl XLIX, the two events combined to deliver a record economic impact of $720 million to the region.
Aside from his prominent role with the Cardinals, Bidwill has established himself as one of the most influential leaders in the greater Phoenix business community where he has been a strong advocate for economic growth and development. He served as Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL), an organization composed of the region’s top business and civic leaders. From 2008-10, Bidwill served back-to-back terms as Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). He is also on the five-person Executive Committee of the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Board of Directors which the ACA says “unites some of the state’s most powerful, proactive officials with its globally recognized leaders of business.”
Within the National Football League, Bidwill’s considerable influence is illustrated by his appointment to a number of notable league committees, including his inclusion on the prestigious Management Council Executive Committee.
This year’s Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class will be honored at an induction ceremony on April 10, 2025 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and the induction ceremony, visit www.azsportshof.com.