Michael Bidwill

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas

Before he assumed the role of team president from his father in 1997, the Bidwill family had the reputation as being among the NFL’s cheapest ownership groups. One tale that has long circulated in league circles was team employees discouraging players from taking bottled water and Gatorade home after practice in the desert under the orders of team owner “Dollar” Bill Bidwill. Michael Bidwill’s efforts have gone a long way toward making the Cardinals a far more reputable franchise. Bidwill recently spent $15 million to renovate team headquarters with better amenities for players. The Cardinals also are spending far more on player salaries in free agency and toward re-signing their own talent than in the past. These types of moves have helped make the 2015 Cardinals a bona fide Super Bowl contender.