The Arizona Cardinals had a few weeks of uncertainty with two of their best players — receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Carson Palmer — contemplating their NFL future. Retirement was a possibility. They both decided to come back for at least one more season, but team president Michael Bidwill wasn’t too terribly worried they were going to call it quits.

Bidwill, appearing on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM as part of “Newsmakers Week,” said there is one scenario with players and retirement that gives him concern.

“I always worry when players start telling me they’re praying about their decision, because if they’re praying, that’s not good,” Bidwill said. “But if they just need some time to get away, it’s a very physical game and you need a couple of weeks just to get away, especially the older you get in your career.”

What Bidwill is saying is when players say they just need some time for their bodies, they typically return, as it shows they still have the desire, but want to make sure physically they can do it. The other scenario means their desire is in question. And if that is the case, Bidwill knows it’s probably over.

Now fans have the key words to listen for. If Palmer or Fitzgerald mention praying about their decision, that is the signal they have probably played their final game.