Draft:Nicole Bidwill

Nicole Bidwill (born 1967) is an American businesswoman who is the vice president of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), a franchise that has been in her family since 1933. The team was originally purchased by her grandfather, Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Bidwill.

Nicole's father, Bill Bidwill, managed the day-to-day operations for decades, ingraining the sport deeply within the family.

Early life and education
Nicole Bidwill grew up in the world of professional football. Her grandfather, Charles Bidwill, acquired the Cardinals in 1933, when the team was based in Chicago. After Charles passed away in 1947, his widow, Violet, took over ownership and eventually relocated the team to St. Louis in 1960. Following Violet's death, the team ownership was divided between Nicole's father, Bill, and her uncle, Charles Bidwill Jr., with Bill becoming the sole owner in 1971. Her father, Bill Bidwill, continued to lead the team for many years, and this football heritage significantly shaped her upbringing.

Nicole attended Marymount University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

Arizona Cardinals
Bidwill's professional journey with the Arizona Cardinals began as a marketing assistant in 1989. Her efforts for the team saw her rise to the position of Director of Gameday Entertainment. In this role, she significantly enhanced the fan experience by professionalizing the cheer program and developing the team's mascot, Big Red, who made his debut in 1996.

Philanthropic Efforts
Bidwill helped found Cardinal Charities, a 501(c)3 grant-based program supporting local nonprofits that promote education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Nicole plays an active role in the grant approval process.

Her commitment to the community extends through her participation with the Arizona Cardinals Community Relations Crew. She is also known for her work with therapy animals, including her English Mastiff, Hank, and her two therapeutic Shire horses, Sugar and Gunther. These animals provide comfort and support to chronically ill children, hospice patients, foster children, and individuals facing addiction, depression, anxiety, and homelessness.

Nicole's love for draft horses was inspired by her father's passion for them. She is strongly dedicated to supporting Shire horses, which are considered an at-risk breed, to ensure their preservation and well-being.

Awards and Recognitions
Nicole's philanthropic contributions have been widely recognized. She has received several awards, including the Girl Scouts’ Promise Award, the FBI’s Community Leadership Award, the Inspiring Greatness Award from Not My Kid, and the People's Choice Award from Dancing with the Stars for her record-breaking donation to the National Kidney Foundation. Additionally, she received the Chicanos por la Causa Humanitarian Award for her extensive community service. Nicole served on the Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women for the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family in 2014-2020.

Personal life
Nicole resides in Phoenix and is a mother to two boys. She has a deep love for animals and sports, often seen in the community with her therapy animals, supporting various charitable causes and events. In April 2023, Nicole married Tod Dickey.