Charles Bidwill Jr. was an American football executive and owner of the Chicago/St. Louis Cardinals franchise in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on February 16, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, and was the son of Charles Bidwill Sr., who was also an NFL owner.
Bidwill Jr. attended Georgetown University, where he played football as a halfback and was named an All-American in 1939. After college, he served in the United States Navy during World War II before returning to football.
In 1947, Bidwill Jr. joined his father's Cardinals franchise as an assistant to the general manager. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the team's vice president in 1950. When his father died in 1947, Bidwill Jr. inherited the team and became its principal owner.
Under Bidwill Jr.'s ownership, the Cardinals struggled to find success on the field. The team had only one winning season during his tenure, in 1974, and made just two playoff appearances. However, Bidwill Jr. was known for his commitment to the team and his willingness to spend money to improve it.
One of Bidwill Jr.'s most significant contributions to the NFL was his role in the league's merger with the American Football League (AFL) in 1970. He was a member of the NFL's expansion committee and helped negotiate the merger, which created the modern NFL.
Bidwill Jr. remained the Cardinals' owner until his death on April 19, 1972, at the age of 54. He was succeeded by his wife, Violet Bidwill Wolfner, who became the first female owner in NFL history.
In conclusion, Charles Bidwill Jr. was an important figure in the history of the NFL. He was a successful college football player, a dedicated team executive, and a key player in the league's merger with the AFL. While his tenure as the Cardinals' owner was not marked by on-field success, his commitment to the team and his contributions to the league will be remembered for years to come.
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