PHX Reporter

Last year, during a Cardinals game, owner Michael Bidwill was approached by a player's mother who thanked him. "We feel seen," she said, expressing gratitude for the partnership between the Cardinals and Arizona's Family in broadcasting girls' flag football games.

On Thursday evening, Michael Bidwill was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame at the Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. During the ceremony, Bidwill spoke about the significance of sports. "It was a powerful reminder that sports can do that," he stated. "It can make us feel seen."

Bidwill has made a noticeable impact in Arizona, becoming the sixth person linked to the Cardinals to be inducted into the state's sports Hall of Fame. The list includes players Adrian Wilson, Jake Plummer, Pat Tillman, and Larry Fitzgerald, along with his late father, Bill Bidwill, a long-time owner.

"It's special knowing all the great Cardinals (that are in), and all the great athletes and contributors to sports that have made Arizona so great," Bidwill commented. "To be in that group, and as Jake Plummer said in a video, to be in the club, it's a really cool club to be in."

Starting his work with the Cardinals full-time in 1996, Bidwill contributed significantly to the construction of State Farm Stadium, also fostering an environment for major events like Super Bowls and college playoff games. "I think he's going to be remembered as a visionary," said former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Bidwill is an active member of multiple NFL committees, including the Management Council Executive Committee. "It's much deserved," noted Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell. "He's been a pillar of the community for a long time."

Through the Cardinals, Bidwill has been influential in the business community, aspiring to leave a significant mark. "It's really important how much the community has embraced us and how much we've tried to contribute," Bidwill affirmed.

Others inducted alongside Bidwill included 14-year NBA player Mike Bibby, soccer star Julie Ertz, former Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola Jr., U of A football player Ricky Hunley, MLB all-star Paul Konerko, Olympic swimmer Melissa Belote Ripley, and the late Matt Schott.

Discussing the ceremony, Bidwill said, "It's such a select group. The committee that goes through these names gives it a lot of thought and deliberation. I still feel there is so much more I want to do to impact this community with our team and sports in general. I feel we are just getting started."