A few years ago, Michael Bidwill was discussing his growth as an NFL owner, getting involved with the inner workings of the league while guiding the Arizona Cardinals.
"I love getting a chance to understand all the business," Bidwill said. "It's an extremely complex business and industry and it's constantly evolving. I love being involved in helping shape the future of the NFL."
Bidwill's stamp on the Cardinals has resonated, from the time he took the lead -- at the behest of his father, Bill -- to get a new stadium built to now, entrenched as owner of the franchise since his father passed away in 2019. An NFL team is going to leave an imprint on any community in which it resides, but it is not a surprise that Michael Bidwill's work has now been recognized with an election into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have made "exceptional contributions to sports in Arizona."
Michael Bidwill qualifies. He is the sixth person from the Cardinals to be elected, following Bill Bidwill, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, safety Pat Tillman, safety Adrian WIlson, and quarterback Jake Plummer.
The team moved to Arizona in 1988.
Bidwill's Hall class includes U.S. soccer star Julie Ertz -- wife of former Cardinal Zach Ertz -- who is from Arizona and prepped at Mesa Dobson High School; six-time Major League Baseball all-star Paul Konerko, who prepped at Scottsdale Chaparral High School; University of Arizona basketball star Mike Bibby, who went to Phoenix Shadow Mountain High School; college football Hall of Famer Ricky Hunley, who went to the University of Arizona; former Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola Jr.; three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Melissa Belote Ripley, who attended Arizona State; and the late Matt Shott, the former senior director of amateur hockey development for the Arizona Coyotes.
Michael Bidwill, after time as a federal prosecutor, began working for his family's organization in 1996. His drive to get State Farm Stadium built, from the vote to approve it to its completion in 2006, was critical not only to the health of the franchise but also helping to create some $6 billion in economic impact for the Valley, including three Super Bowls, a Pro Bowl, college bowl games, and two NCAA men's basketball Final Fours.
Bidwill is also a member of multiple NFL committees, including the Management Council Executive Committee.
That's all aside from the work Bidwill has done as a leader in the Valley's business community, including stints as the chairman to the Greater Phoenix Leadership and chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
Bidwill will be inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, along with the rest of the Class of 2024/25, on April 10 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
