Cardinals new coach hits streets to woo Valley
Craig Harris
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 10, 2004 12:00 AM
Cardinals coach Dennis Green greets Francine Archer of Glendale and Skyler Russell of Litchfield Park.
Like any struggling business looking for customers, the Arizona Cardinals were literally pounding the pavement Friday with their newest hire, coach Dennis Green.
Green, three cheerleaders, mascot Big Red and team executives made a surprise stop in downtown Phoenix, following a morning news conference to introduce the coach. He mingled in the area near First Avenue and Washington Street before working his way to Majerle's Sports Grill.
The meet-and-greet, which included passing out team T-shirts and hats autographed by Green, turned heads and created such a buzz that one woman jumped out of her chair at Majerle's to hug him.
"I was a big fan when he coached in Minnesota. He's a blessing," said Mirna Guidi, a flight attendant from Phoenix.
Her husband, Chris, said the move was a step in the right direction for a franchise devoid of fan support.
"The team hasn't seemed to care about us," he said. "The more they go out, it will help them."
The team's "community blitz" followed similar pop-ins Thursday by Green at a Tempe fire station, Home Depot store and Coca-Cola plant.
More visits are in the works, as the team tries to reconnect with fans and the community.
"It's always fun to get out," Green said after 45 minutes of mingling downtown.
"We are not going to be shy to encourage people to feel good about the Arizona Cardinals. . . . I'm likely to be anywhere."
Craig Harris
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 10, 2004 12:00 AM
You must be registered for see images
Cardinals coach Dennis Green greets Francine Archer of Glendale and Skyler Russell of Litchfield Park.
Like any struggling business looking for customers, the Arizona Cardinals were literally pounding the pavement Friday with their newest hire, coach Dennis Green.
Green, three cheerleaders, mascot Big Red and team executives made a surprise stop in downtown Phoenix, following a morning news conference to introduce the coach. He mingled in the area near First Avenue and Washington Street before working his way to Majerle's Sports Grill.
The meet-and-greet, which included passing out team T-shirts and hats autographed by Green, turned heads and created such a buzz that one woman jumped out of her chair at Majerle's to hug him.
"I was a big fan when he coached in Minnesota. He's a blessing," said Mirna Guidi, a flight attendant from Phoenix.
Her husband, Chris, said the move was a step in the right direction for a franchise devoid of fan support.
"The team hasn't seemed to care about us," he said. "The more they go out, it will help them."
The team's "community blitz" followed similar pop-ins Thursday by Green at a Tempe fire station, Home Depot store and Coca-Cola plant.
More visits are in the works, as the team tries to reconnect with fans and the community.
"It's always fun to get out," Green said after 45 minutes of mingling downtown.
"We are not going to be shy to encourage people to feel good about the Arizona Cardinals. . . . I'm likely to be anywhere."
