Letter to Bidwill re: Tillman Tributes

[Pariah]

What do you guys think of doing something like this? I haven't seen the jersey idea around, but I think it's a good one. I'm not sure what the next step is, but I wanted to make sure Jim S. is comfortable with the mentions of ASFN and if you're all comfortable with being included. If not, I can just make it from me...

Dear Mr. Bidwill,



There are things bigger than the business or game of professional football. Sometimes we lose that perspective, and unfortunately it often takes tragedy to shake us back to reality.



We, as Americans, are touched by the loss of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan and will always respect and treasure his sacrifice. As Arizona Cardinal fans, we believe the Cardinals organization has the opportunity to make a lasting tribute to the memory of Tillman.



On the Arizona Sports Fan Network Web site, several ideas have been almost unanimously supported by the public:

• Retiring Tillman’s jersey number
• Naming the stadium “Tillman Field.”
• Black #40 patch for the 2004 season
• Name a leadership or sacrifice award after Tillman
• Run another production of Tillman jerseys and donate the proceeds to the Tillman family, or a Tillman family-designated charity

Obviously, some tributes may be easier to enact than others, but we believe Tillman’s sacrifice should not go publicly unheralded in the Cardinals’ organization or in the NFL. Please help America remember Pat Tillman and his dedication and sacrifice to our great nation.



Best Regards,



ASFN Arizona Cardinal Fans

 

[Pariah]

It still needs some "wordsmithing," but maybe not much.

 

[azdad1978]

It still needs some "wordsmithing," but maybe not much.

Make it happen Pariah and you can throw in my name and my fiancee's name too if you like.

 

[sundevilscott]

I think it is a great letter and would propose the same thing to Gene Smith.

 

[slinslin]

Do you know how much money it would cost if the Cards waived the naming rights for the new stadium?
That's not happening. They could probably not finance the new stadium otherwise.

 

[Pariah]

Do you know how much money it would cost if the Cards waived the naming rights for the new stadium?
That's not happening. They could probably not finance the new stadium otherwise.

Yeah, I acknoledged that in a general sense. Thanks, though.

 

[RedStorm]

Do you know how much money it would cost if the Cards waived the naming rights for the new stadium?
That's not happening. They could probably not finance the new stadium otherwise.

Call the stadium what you want. But name the field after him. He not only loved his country but he also loved playing the game and it is on the field where that happens.

It would not cost anything in possible revenue to name the field the players play on in honor of Pat.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I think the 40 yard line markers should be painted red from now on.

 

[azdad1978]

Do you know how much money it would cost if the Cards waived the naming rights for the new stadium?
That's not happening. They could probably not finance the new stadium otherwise.

Sorry but when we voted for the stadium we gave them a sweetheart deal with licensing,consession and Parking. And the Maricopa County owns the Stadium not the Cards so I for one will write the Governor annd Mayor of Glendale to ask them if we can honor Tillman in any way shape or form.

 

[azsports]

They can still sell the naming rights to the stadium but name the field after Tillman. Just look at where they play now. Frank Kush Field at Sun Devil Stadium. Count me in on the letter.

 

[WaywardFan]

I think the 40 yard line markers should be painted red from now on.

I just heard on the radio that a national sports radio talk show guy is going to petition to the NFL that EVERY 40 yard line markers on every field be so marked.

 

[Redsz]

Wow! That would be something.

 

[slinslin]

If the Cards want to honor him they should go out next season and play their hearts out every single game to the superbowl.

In my opinion Tillman would have never wanted this much attention and recognition.

If anything wear black patches and build a statue infront of the new stadium. But don't do it as a media promotion.

 

[Chaz]

I think the letter is great Pariah.

Nice job.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I just heard on the radio that a national sports radio talk show guy is going to petition to the NFL that EVERY 40 yard line markers on every field be so marked.

Wow. That would be cool. The whole league should do it this year and the Cardinals should do it permanently. I think that would be a classy, subtle tribute.

 

[EndZone]

Sorry but when we voted for the stadium we gave them a sweetheart deal with licensing,consession and Parking. And the Maricopa County owns the Stadium not the Cards so I for one will write the Governor annd Mayor of Glendale to ask them if we can honor Tillman in any way shape or form.

Sorry but you are DEAD wrong...siting section 12.2 of the Cardinals Use Agreement.

12.2 Naming Rights. The Team shall control, bear all expenses of and retain
all revenues from all naming rights for the Facility. Names shall appear at appropriate places in,
at, or on the Facility as determined by the Team. Names shall be subject to the approval of the
TSA. The TSA shall comply with all requirements of the Team’s naming rights agreement,
including, for example, requiring the naming sponsor’s logo on the uniforms of all personnel at
the Facility, employing such sponsor’s name on all TSA and Facility stationery and advertising,
and such other elements typically included in a naming rights sponsorship.

 

[bratwurst]

Wow. That would be cool. The whole league should do it this year and the Cardinals should do it permanently. I think that would be a classy, subtle tribute.

A great idea - 100% behind this. I also think the idea from the other thread to name the field "Ranger Field" is very fitting.

 

[azdad1978]

Sorry but you are DEAD wrong...siting section 12.2 of the Cardinals Use Agreement.

Dude where am I wrong? I said we gave the Cards a sweetheard deal right? With Parking,concession and naming rights. All I said is they should retire his number, put a #40 patch on the jersey. Like I said to do anything any shape or form.

 

[EndZone]

Dude where am I wrong? I said we gave the Cards a sweetheard deal right? With Parking,concession and naming rights. All I said is they should retire his number, put a #40 patch on the jersey. Like I said to do anything any shape or form.

The Cards own the naming rights...no one else. The TSA just has to approve the name. I thought you were insinuating that Maricopa county would pick the name. And actually the TSA owns the stadium.

 

[WisconsinCard]

I think the 40 yard line markers should be painted red from now on.

That my friend is the greatest idea I have ever heard. I would love to see that happen.

 

[azdad1978]

The Cards own the naming rights...no one else. The TSA just has to approve the name. I thought you were insinuating that Maricopa county would pick the name. And actually the TSA owns the stadium.

Isn't the TSA govern by the Maricopa County anyway? I didn't say anything in anyway shape or form that Maricopa County would name it in any way they want to name it.

 

[Espo]

Originally Posted by krepitch
I think the 40 yard line markers should be painted red from now on.

I like that idea. I think they should do anything and everything they can do to honor him. I am behind your letter completely.

 

[slinslin]

Do you honestly think Tillman would have wanted to be honored? As an idividual?
I don't think so. The Cards should take some time considering everything and make a good decision that fits into Tillman's character.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

but that's the epitome of heroes . . . most of them don't want to be honored, they sacrifice of themselves for others. those are the ones that should be honored most in my opinion.

sign my name (Joe Shapiro) to the letter. and i would love to see the permanent 40 yard marker. i think that's a great idea.

 

[john h]

What do you guys think of doing something like this? I haven't seen the jersey idea around, but I think it's a good one. I'm not sure what the next step is, but I wanted to make sure Jim S. is comfortable with the mentions of ASFN and if you're all comfortable with being included. If not, I can just make it from me...

Great idea--