For the first time, probably the first time in franchise history, the Arizona Cardinals are soaking up the spotlight and getting a little taste of respect in a league where organizations can be made or broken during the off-season. With the Cardinal’s off-season looking scary, they are taking advantage of the relaxation and admiration the Hawaii has to offer.

“It’s the first time we’re being respected as a team,” said receiver Anquan Boldin, making his third trip to Hawaii. “Individually, I’ve been getting respect for a number of years, but to see our team get the respect is gratifying.”

Since no one in their wildest dreams expected the Arizona Cardinals, the Cardiac Cards, to make it to the Super Bowl, it is a mixed reception of awe, disbelief, and reverence.

“You even get that sense from these great players,” Kurt Warner said. “They were in a little bit in awe of the run we had and really appreciated it. I don’t know if you polled the guys in our organization and how many would’ve expected it, but you know guys didn’t expect it from the outside,” he said. “Even with the great players we have, nobody expected it. So when you get the congratulations, you almost get a sense of respect that comes with that.”

With losing season after losing season, and an overall pitiful record, the Arizona Cardinals astonished everyone and ‘Shocked the World’ by becoming NFC Champs and making it to the Super Bowl. What is more astonishing is that they were literally 2-minutes away from winning the big game.

“You want to win, but you can appreciate it when the other team beats you,” Warner said. “You don’t beat yourself. You don’t make mistakes. You don’t throw a game away. Another team came out and did what they had to do to beat us and that’s why they’re the world champs.”

Cardinals who are playing in Sunday’s Pro Bowl game in Hawaii are Kurt Warner, Adrian Peterson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Sean Morey.