Cornerback Patrick Peterson smiles while signing for a young fan Monday night at the Cardinals' annual Kingpin Challenge bowling event. For a photo gallery from the evening, click here.
Michael Adams walked into the Brunswick Kyrene Lanes on Monday evening, three bowling balls in tow, and didn't say a word to anyone. He was a man on a mission.
Adams was there to bowl in the Cardinals' fifth annual Kingpin Challenge to benefit Cardinals Charities, but the cornerback was ready to show off his skills. It didn't hurt that he felt at home. Adams picked up bowling as a hobby at Kyrene Lanes when he joined the Cards in 2007 and bowls there at least once a week during the season and up to three nights a week the rest of the year.
"I know I'm the best, man," Adams said with a smile. "No pressure at all. I hadn't been (bowling) in a while, but I told them (his teammates), anybody who wants to come compete with me they can come."
His teammates wanted none of Adams. Most said he or newly acquired Crezdon Butler were the best bowlers on the team. And Adams didn't disagree. He rolled 195, but it was 30 pins lower than his career high.
Decked out in Cardinals bowling shirts, the full roster was in attendance to mingle with season ticket holders and other donors. And, of course, they bowled.
"It's really a unique opportunity," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "To get the whole team out and especially in season, and interact with them and get asked questions about why aren't we running the ball more, it's always a great time."
While the players decided who the best bowlers were among their teammates, Whisenhunt said he hasn't had a chance to watch his coaching staff in action, so he couldn't accurately assess his staff.
There was a silent auction that included autographed jerseys from Cardinals' players as well as stars from around the league. Guests also enjoyed a buffet as well as the opportunity to mingle and take photos with their favorite players.
The team from All Copy -- using another pretty good player ringer, receiver Andre Roberts -- won first place in the event with a score of 1,695. Their roster was Joe Blazier, Bob Simonis, Tim Simonis and Patrick Simonis. Second place was A Great Place To Work, with a score of 1,611 and a roster of Tom Ferris, Chris Anderson, Brad Francis, Lisa Ellis and tight end Jeff King. Third place went to San Tan Ford (1,504) and Brandon Schoonover, Brian Boyle, Brian Huglin, Kevin Dewey and quarterback John Skelton.
"It's a lot of fun coming out, doing this with the fans," safety Rashad Johnson said. "Just getting out and doing something different other than practicing with your teammates is a lot of fun."
