The In The Arena Award is not for the critic, but for the doer of deeds. Senator John McCain proudly modeled and espoused the philosophy set forth in Teddy Roosevelt’s famous 1910 “Man in the Arena” speech praising those who have the courage and determination to get In The Arena and fight for a cause, rather than critiquing from the sidelines. This award is given to salute extraordinary, character-driven leaders who conspicuously and bravely fight to defend human rights, foster security and advance freedom through action.
The McCain Institute was proud to present the 2025 In The Arena Award to Arizona Cardinals Owner Michael Bidwill for his leadership during the Los Angeles wildfires and his longstanding commitment to public service and civic education.
Bidwill and the Cardinals organization helped a rival team host its Wild Card game in Arizona while wildfires raged in Los Angeles. They transported the L.A. Rams players, coaches, staff, and families to Arizona and made the Rams feel at home by painting the field blue and yellow, assisting with equipment and operational logistics, and even refitting the Cardinals’ team store to sell Rams merchandise.
This is just one instance where Bidwill has shown up in the arena throughout his career. A third-generation steward of the Cardinals franchise, Bidwill has led the organization to unprecedented success on and off the field. His efforts have helped solidify the Cardinals’ role as a pillar of Arizona, fostering initiatives that support military veterans, youth programs, and economic development throughout the state.
He is also a champion for civic education in schools. A former federal prosecutor, Bidwill started the annual Civic Matters Arizona initiative in 2022. In partnership with Governor Katie Hobbs, this statewide program sends a diverse group of more than 275 Arizona students to Washington, D.C. each year to see their government in action and learn the importance of engaged citizenship. The Arizona Cardinals are the first team in the NFL to join the CivxNow coalition, which was established by iCivics, the nonprofit founded by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
In recognition of his leadership, impact, and service, the McCain Institute was honored to present Michael Bidwill with the In The Arena Award, celebrating his enduring contributions to Arizona and beyond.
The McCain Institute was proud to present the 2024 In The Arena Award to Verizon Chairman & CEO Hans Vestberg for his character-driven leadership and considerable charitable work to better the world.
The McCain Institute was proud to present the 2023 In The Arena Award to Arizona Cardinals player Kelvin Beachum for his work addressing food insecurity and clean water access.
Beachum is a 12-year NFL veteran. He is a technology investor, board member, advisor, and speaker. Domestically, Beachum is focused on addressing food insecurity and providing access to equitable STEAM education. Globally, he works with partner organization World Vision to provide clean water access. Beachum resides in Arizona with his wife, Jessica, and their three children.
The McCain Institute was proud to present the 2019 In The Arena Award to London’s First Responders who have assisted the public both during and in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom in 2017.
The first responders are the embodiment of courage as Senator McCain defined it. During and in the wake of attacks – including on the London Underground in 2005, Westminster, Manchester Arena, London Bridge and Finsbury Park – they have assisted, comforted and saved countless members of the public.
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Dame Cressida Dick DBE QPM, along with Superintendent Becky Riggs and Detective Sergeant Zac Idun, accepted the award on behalf of these brave men and women.
“Their compassion brought great comfort to victims, their tenacity meant the highest quality evidence and information was put before the inquests and courts. I am immensely proud of them all, they are very deserving of this award.” -Dame Cressida Dick DBE QPM, Commissioner, Police of the Metropolis
In October 2018, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May was presented the McCain Institute’s inaugural In the Arena Award by Mrs. Cindy McCain at an evening gathering in London. The dinner, held to benefit the work of the McCain Institute, also featured a conversation about global challenges with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Mrs. McCain.
The award recognized Prime Minister May’s leadership in putting the United Kingdom at the forefront of global efforts to combat modern slavery. In 2015, as Home Secretary, May introduced the Modern Slavery Act, the first of its kind in the world. She also appointed the U.K.’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and launched the Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, which has now been endorsed by over 80 countries. Prime Minister May is also chairwoman of the U.K. Modern Slavery Taskforce, which is an ambitious, multi-agency response to tackling modern slavery, both at home and internationally.
“Theresa May is a fierce defender of human rights and a global force for good in the fight against human trafficking. John would be proud, and we’re tremendously honored to present her with the McCain Institute’s in The Arena award. We are privileged to have her continued leadership of unfailing courage and character.” – Cindy McCain
“First as Home Secretary and now as Prime Minister, I have made tackling modern slavery a personal mission. This is a global problem, which requires a global response and we must continue to do whatever it takes to end these horrific crimes.” – Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May
