Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill (left) talks with former wide receiver J.T. Smith before Sunday's game.




ST. LOUIS – The Cardinals were back at their former home Sunday, so they made sure some of their former players where there as well.

The organization's annual homecoming get-together was part of the Cards' game against the Rams, including some time on the field before kickoff.

"They are part of our foundation, part of our history, part of the team still," Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said. "Even though they are not playing for us when we are back in St. Louis we want them around and we appreciate them being here."

Former wide receiver J.T. Smith said seeing some old friends is always enjoyable. Having a connection with some of the current Cards also makes an impact.

"It's good to let them know a little bit of what it took to get here," Smith said. "They need to know that. They need to know the history and how hard it took to get to this position."

The group of ex-players and their families spent the game in a suite with owner Bill Bidwill and members of the Bidwill family. The Cardinals hadn't opened the regular season against the Rams since Dennis Green's first game in 2004 in St. Louis.

"It's nice to be back here and see a lot of people who still love this team," Michael Bidwill said. "You look around and there is a lot of red. We have a lot of fans who are still here. To open here is special and hopefully we can start on a good note."