Warner Is More Than Football

Kurt Warner’s uncharted path to the NFL is more impressive to me than his actual stats, MVP awards, or Super Bowl ring. Although most of us would kill to have just one of these accomplishments, could we survive all the setbacks Warner endured?

Every kid who loves playing football dreams of playing in the NFL. Kurt’s dream to play in the NFL wasn’t unique, but his late start as a pro athlete was very unique. Warner is a living testament of following your dream, no matter what. He was unflappable in his hot pursuit to the NFL.

Warner is a modern day hero. His story warms the heart like “The Blindside.”

A proud son of Burlington Iowa, Kurt was a high school standout (in two sports). He played college football at Northern Iowa University, ignored by Iowa and Iowa State. The NFL draft didn’t call his number, so he went to Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in April 1994, only to be released in August 1994. It appeared Warner’s dream of an NFL career was over.

Ironically, this setback fueled his determination even more. Warner’s DNA has never equated to giving up. He could’ve quit, taken a coaching job in his hometown, married his beautiful wife, raised lots of children and reminisced about the good ‘ole days. Told his children and grandchildren stories about almost becoming an NFL player, but almost wasn’t in Warner’s vocabulary. He had a dream to fulfill and by golly he would find a way to get there.

The Iowa Barnstormers was his home for three years and arena football gave him the platform he needed. The St Louis Rams signed him as a free agent, under the condition, he play a season with the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe. Yet another hurdle to jump before Warner was given unconditional love from an NFL team.

Five years post college Warner suited up as third string QB with the St Louis Rams. His $150,000 annual salary was poverty level compared to starting salaries in the NFL. Kurt’s reaction, “I’m not playing the game for money.”

Two years later he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory against the Tennessee Titans. After the game a reporter asked Kurt, “How you get from Arena Football to QB for a winning Super Bowl team?”

His humble response, “I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity given me. I’ve always believed in myself.”

Kurt Warner champions his faith, not only by his words, but by his gazelle intensity to fulfill his God-given destiny.  He is much more than a superstar football player, and he will be greatly missed.