Cardinals Notes: Upstarts Embracing The Moment

The NFC champion Cardinals arrived at their team hotel Monday afternoon and immediately felt right at home.

Arizona players, coaches and staff found the Grand Hyatt on the Courtney Campbell Causeway spruced up to reflect a Cardinal flair.

The color red was prevalent in the front lobby, which was adorned with action photos of Arizona players. Even a picture of camera-shy owner Bill Bidwill was featured on a wall near the front desk.

Players encountered a dozen fans in Cardinals paraphernalia waiting for autographs as they entered the hotel.

Veteran QB Kurt Warner, one of the few Cardinals with Super Bowl experience, is cautioning his teammates to savor the moment.

"It's about taking it all in stride and embracing it," Warner said, referring to the media attention, parties and fans that define Super Bowl week. "You can't allow it to be a detriment in any shape or form. The bottom line is: why are you here? Putting that ring on your finger gives you access to a lot of parties in the future."

Even Arizona players appear resigned to the likelihood of a predominantly pro-Steeler crowd Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

"I believe Arizona fans will represent at this game," said Cardinals DE Bertrand Berry, "but I'm not quite sure what to expect. Pittsburgh has a storied franchise and their fans may be a little more savvy at this point."

WORTH THE WAIT

No Cardinals player has a right to feel more prideful of Arizona's startling success than Adrian Wilson.

The 29-year-old safety was drafted by Arizona in 2001 and he bypassed an opportunity to hit the free-agent market following the 2004 season, agreeing to a five-year extension with one of the league's perpetual underachievers.

"I know the misery and pain a lot of people here have been through," Wilson said Monday. "When people tell you that you'll never get there and then you accomplish something, it's emotional. It's not just football, it's life."

Wilson's reward for all that faith is an evening in the national spotlight.

"You've got to keep your head down and continue to work," said Wilson, a team captain. "It's not always instant gratification, but there's always hope and it starts with hard work. This is my eighth year with this organization ... it's been quite a ride."

A WINNING FORMULA

The Cardinals posted only one postseason victory in franchise history before the 2008 club upset Atlanta, Carolina and Philadelphia in successive weeks.

QB Kurt Warner said much of the credit should go to a coaching staff that lived up to its vow by rewarding the best players, regardless of reputation or contract status.

"Sometimes in football, dollars or draft picks will dictate team decisions," said Warner, who entered training camp last summer as a backup to former first-round pick Matt Leinart. "This staff asks only one question - who gives this team the best chance to win?"

As evidence, Warner offered his own situation and also referred to Arizona's decision last month to restore Edgerrin James as the featured back after rookie Tim Hightower had replaced him as the starter.

Wilson singled out second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt as Arizona's forceful catalyst.

"We had a team that was undisciplined, a team that didn't follow the rules," Wilson said. "Coach Whisenhunt means every word he says. We've been trying to pride ourselves on doing things the right way and being a smarter football team."