Bidwill On Jake

[Red Hawk]

In today's letters to the editor Arizona Republic

Jake Plummer is a class act
Mar. 29, 2003 12:00 AM

Jake Plummer became synonymous with college and professional football in Arizona over the past 10 years with the thrills he provided Cardinal and Sun Devil fans.

Madcap comebacks, the rarefied air of the 1998 NFL playoffs and the 1997 Rose Bowl appearance are just some of the memories Jake etched into our minds with his frenetic, scrambling style.

But just as importantly, Jake was an ambassador for our community.

He used his profile to establish a foundation that has raised money for many charitable organizations and needs, particularly Alzheimer's disease research and Phoenix Children's Hospital. He selflessly lent his presence for numerous charitable endeavors. He autographed countless pictures and items to raise money for charity.

He was one of the last players to leave the field during training camp, willingly outlasting wide-eyed youngsters seeking autographs.

He consistently communicated with his fans by regularly accommodating the media.

His open letter to the community in the March 16 Republic was the latest example of what a class act he is. Sometimes the phrase is overused in sports, but Jake continues to be a role model for people who believe they can make a difference.

The Cardinals and my family truly wish Jake continued success with the Denver Broncos and thank him for his noteworthy contributions to our community and the class with which he represented all of us.

Michael J. Bidwill
Tempe
The writer is vice president and general counsel of the Arizona Cardinals.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Nice of Michael to do this!

The Bidwills seem to be coming around!

Look at Bill in this inteview, and tell the guy doesn't want to win!

http://helix.azcentral.com/ramgen/realvideo/azcardinalssite/MrBontheteam.rm

 

[cardsfan473]

I'm still convinced, as I always have been, that if this team began to win consistantly - NFL football would rule this city.

I remember the years when ASU football was kicking on all cylinders, and the town was going nuts!

I was talking to some co-workers, who are not cardinal fans, but are NFL fans. They told me they are practically begging for a good football team, so they can go watch some "good quality" football. They won't go now, because as they say - "it is like watching the minor leagues"....

If we can turn it arround here, you won't be able to buy a ticket... Mark my words.

I'll just be glad at that time, That I'm a 9 year season ticket holder thus far, and you will have to pry my tickets out of my cold-dead fingers!

I hope one day we will see that situation here. It would be really good to see. Perhaps now that the stadium is definite, the Bidwills will start to spend "future" money, with the understanding it will come back 10-fold....

 

[ajcardfan]

The NFL IS king in this city, and the Cardinals will sell tons of tickets once the town truly believes they are winners. If you listened to sports radio the last few days, the Cardinals have DOMINATED the talk. That's with Uof A in the tournament and opening day for the D-Backs this Monday.

 

[john h]

Originally posted by cardsfan473
I'm still convinced, as I always have been, that if this team began to win consistantly - NFL football would rule this city.

I remember the years when ASU football was kicking on all cylinders, and the town was going nuts!

I was talking to some co-workers, who are not cardinal fans, but are NFL fans. They told me they are practically begging for a good football team, so they can go watch some "good quality" football. They won't go now, because as they say - "it is like watching the minor leagues"....

If we can turn it arround here, you won't be able to buy a ticket... Mark my words.

I'll just be glad at that time, That I'm a 9 year season ticket holder thus far, and you will have to pry my tickets out of my cold-dead fingers!

I hope one day we will see that situation here. It would be really good to see. Perhaps now that the stadium is definite, the Bidwills will start to spend "future"



money, with the understanding it will come back 10-fold....

You have a very good team in the DBacks. Are they ruling the city? I do not know. Did read they have mortgaged themselves well into the future with about $63 mil tied up in 10 players. Read Yankees have a $163 mil payroll and some other team has a 32 mil payroll. Is this competition? Thank goodness for the NFL salary cap or we would be worse than we are.

 

[WizardOfAz]

I'll preface this by saying, I think they still have a ways to go, but, I think the Cards have turned the corner. Letters to the editor about Jake, signing Emmit (agree or disagree with the decision) with all of the national media in town. I need to see more, but these little things will add up.

 

[arthurracoon]

National media was also here when we were 4-2, remember.

 

[WizardOfAz]

Actually I meant they were able to get everything done and announce the signing before the media left twon - that was important.

 

[arthurracoon]

Oh,

I see.