Picture courtesy of the East Valley Tribune

Here's Tim Hightower crashing into the end zone for the Cardinals go ahead score in the NFC championship game versus the Eagles.

I would be lying if I told you I saw it coming. I didn't, which makes the Cardinals sweep of the conference playoff games such a thrill. Sure, I watched every game this year. Honestly, I had no idea this was coming.

My affection for the Cardinals has been gradual. The Cards came to town in '88. In those days I lived a couple of blocks from the stadium. It was easy to walk over to the stadium near kick-off, buy a less than face value seat, find a spot in the shade and watch the game. My first Cardinal memory is watching the elegant graceful Art Monk catch a ball over the middle and glide untouched 35-40 yards to the end zone.

The Cardinals have been in the Bidwill family since the 30s. Bill Bidwill, the current patriarch, of the Bidwill clan was a ballboy the last time the (Chicago) Cardinals won the NFL Championship. It was no small irony that on Sunday he held the George Halas Trophy. It is said that the Bidwills left Chicago for Saint Louis after losing a Chicago turf war with Halas.

Bidwill senior is much vilified among those who blab about football. He's a Milqtoastian-type of character, who doesn't mind giving off the aura that he's three-steps beyond a skinflint. Privately, it is said that he is a devout person who prefers to have his charity work to be anonymous. Believe what you like.

I am in the middle of enjoying this improbable run. I intend to keep on enjoying it. I am asking no questions, and I have no answers when anybody asks. It's the type of thing that happens in sports. For that, I am grateful.