GLENDALE – The annual tradition of elaborate NFL schedule released video has caused some controversy for the Arizona Cardinals. Last year, the franchise used linebacker Mack Wilson’s musical talents to help with the release to much praise. However, this year, Arizona decided to go in a different direction and use AI to simulate a Zoom call between it and all of its opponent in 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After a few hours, the post is sitting under 300 likes and hundreds of comments condemning the lack of creativity and use of AI.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cardinals AI schedule release video:
Many fans took the time on social media to highlight the Cardinals consistently poor organization grades with the NFLPA. The most notorious one being owner Michael Bidwill being the lone owner to receive and “F” grade in the league. Thursday’s schedule post is one of the many items of evidence that fans cling onto to highlight their perspective of Bidwill’s incompetence. Social media and ownership don’t crossover, but the brand, overall, still takes the hit all the same.
Cardinals fans cheer on the team against the Commanders during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024.
Fans outrage on social media:
The 2026 season was suppose to be the beginning of a new era for Arizona under head coach Mike LaFleur. That remains unchanged for fans, with the AI video a reminder of the dark cloud hanging over the franchise.
Outside of the negative feedback of the video, the schedule itself will prove to be a challenge for the Cardinals. The team will be on the road for seven of the first 10 weeks, likely continuing the team’s recent poor history the past decade. If Bidwill is hoping to get this negative grade and perception off his back, getting rid of the AI video would do wonders in fans’ eyes.
Cardinals’ 2026 schedule includes massive hurdle to start the Mike LaFleur era
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
