Images from the Cardinals' "Kingpin Challenge" bowling event at Kyrene Lanes in Chandler
CB Patrick Peterson takes a photo with his team
WR Jaron Brown bowls at the "Kingpin Challenge"
Coach Bruce Arians arrives at the event
S Tyrann Mathieu finds the right bowling ball
WR Ted Ginn chats with a guest
LB Kevin Minter
The "Kingpin Challenge" entrance
CB Patrick Peterson does a TV interview
TE John Carlson putting on his bowling shirt
A signed Tyrann Mathieu jersey up for auction
Cardinals cheerleaders at the event
QB Carson Palmer chats with guests
WR Larry Fitzgerald (center) and running back Robert Hughes pose with a guest
LB Lorenzo Alexander preparing to bowl
DT Frostee Rucker signs an autograph
S Rashad Johnson does an interview
WR Jaron Brown ready to bowl
Big Red and the Cardinals cheerleaders
S Tyrann Mathieu signs an autograph
C Lyle Sendlein signs a photo
DE Calais Campbell signs an autograph
A signed Patrick Peterson Pro Bowl jersey at the silent auction
LB Larry Foote and his team
P Drew Butler
Big Red shows off some dance moves
During his postgame interview on Sunday, coach Bruce Arians said it was important to never underestimate your opponent.
The Cardinals blatantly ignored that advice on Monday night, although Arians might make an exception since it came in a bowling alley.
The bravado was in full effect at the team's "Kingpin Challenge," the seventh annual bowling event which
raised money for Cardinals Charities. While none of the players seemed ready to join the professional tour, it didn't stop them from talking some good-natured trash.
"Sam!" safety Rashad Johnson yelled to teammate Sam Acho before the event began. "We'll put up the kiddie bumpers for you tonight."
The players who weren't very good took grief, and the ones who were a little too good were also targets. Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander proudly announced he owned a bowling ball, but center Lyle Sendlein downplayed his ability.
"I have my own ball (but) no shoes," he said. "I'm not a ringer."
Sendlein's five-person team did well, finishing with 1,659 pins knocked down for third place. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and his group from Desert Schools Federal Credit Union won the event with a score of 1,918. Second place went to tight end Rob Housler and his team, which accumulated 1,760 pins knocked down.
Arians actually taught bowling in college, although knee replacement surgery made him an observer on this night.
"This is a lot of fun," Arians said. "The bowling thing is different than a golf tournament because you get to meet almost everybody. All the guys enjoy it."
Proceeds from the event will help support programs designed to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for children, women and minorities in Arizona. Cardinals Charities has distributed more than $5 million to more than 350 charitable organizations since its inception in 1990.
"Cardinals Charities does such great work, and we need to support them," Arians said. "Our guys are great at supporting it."
