Kurt Warner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kurt Warner

Warner in 2022
No. 10, 13
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1971-06-22) June 22, 1971 (age 53) Burlington, Iowa, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	214 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school:	Regis (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
College:	Northern Iowa (1989–1993)
Undrafted:	1994
Career history
As player:
Green Bay Packers (1994)* Iowa Barnstormers (1995–1997) St. Louis Rams (1998) →Amsterdam Admirals (1998) New York Giants (2004) Arizona Cardinals (2005)
As coach:
Northern Iowa (1994) Graduate assistant
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XXXIV) Super Bowl MVP (XXXIV) 2× NFL Most Valuable Player (1999, 2001) Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2008) 2× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2001) 4× Pro Bowl (1999–2001, 2008) 2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1999, 2001) 3× NFL completion percentage leader (1999–2001) 2× NFL passer rating leader (1999, 2001) NFL passing yards leader (2001) Bert Bell Award (1999) Bart Starr Award (2010) Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor NFL records Most touchdown passes in a single postseason: 11 (2008) (tied with Joe Flacco, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Montana) Arena 2× First-team All-Arena (1996, 1997) Iowa Barnstormers Hall of Fame Arena Football Hall of Fame Iowa Barnstormers No. 13 retired
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts: 4,070 Passing completions: 2,666 Completion percentage: 65.5% TD–INT: 208–128 Passing yards: 32,344 Passer rating: 93.7
Career Arena statistics
Completion percentage: 62.0% TD–INT: 183–43 Passing yards: 10,465 Passer rating: 107.84
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at ArenaFan.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Kurtis Eugene Warner (born June 22, 1971) is a former American football quarterback. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He is best known for his time with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Kurt Warner's career is often called a "Cinderella story" in NFL history. He went from being an undrafted free agent (meaning no team picked him in the draft) to winning two MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP.

After playing college football at Northern Iowa, Warner spent four years without an NFL team. He played three seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Iowa Barnstormers. In 1998, he joined the Rams as a backup. The next year, he became the starting quarterback.

In his first season as a starter, Warner led the Rams' "The Greatest Show on Turf" offense to win Super Bowl XXXIV. He earned both league MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards that year. He won his second league MVP award two years later.

After leaving the Rams in 2004, Warner played one season with the New York Giants. He then joined the Arizona Cardinals and brought their team to Super Bowl XLIII in 2008. This was the first Super Bowl appearance for the Cardinals franchise.

Warner is seen as the NFL's greatest undrafted player. He is the only undrafted player to be named NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP. He is also the only undrafted quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl win. In 2017, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the only player in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

Early Life and College Football

Kurt Warner was born in Burlington, Iowa. He played football at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids. He graduated in 1989.

After high school, he went to the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated in 1993. At UNI, Warner was third on the team's depth chart for most of his college career. In his senior year, he finally got to start. He was named the Gateway Conference's Offensive Player of the Year.

College Statistics

Professional Football Career

Green Bay Packers and Grocery Store Days

After college, Kurt Warner was not picked in the 1994 NFL draft. He tried out for the Green Bay Packers in 1994 but was released before the season began. He was competing against famous quarterbacks like Brett Favre.

After being released, Warner worked stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls. He earned $5.50 an hour. Warner often talks about this time when he tells his story of rising to NFL fame. He also worked as a graduate assistant coach for the Northern Iowa football team. He still hoped for another chance in the NFL.

Iowa Barnstormers (Arena Football)

Since no NFL teams wanted him, Warner joined the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1995. He signed with the Iowa Barnstormers. He was named to the AFL's First-team All-Arena in 1996 and 1997. He led the Barnstormers to the ArenaBowl championship game in both seasons. His great performance led to him being named one of the 20 Best Arena Football Players of all time.

In 2000, after Warner became famous in the NFL, the AFL named its first widely available video game Kurt Warner's Arena Football Unleashed. On August 12, 2011, he was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

St. Louis Rams: The "Greatest Show on Turf"

Starting with the Amsterdam Admirals

In December 1997, Warner signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams. In 1998, he played for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe. He led that league in touchdowns and passing yards. When he returned to the U.S., Warner was the Rams' third-string quarterback in the 1998 season. He completed only 4 of 11 passes for 39 yards that year.

1999 Season: A Star is Born

Before the 1999 season, the Rams signed Trent Green to be their starting quarterback. Warner was now second on the depth chart. But Green got a serious knee injury in a preseason game. Rams coach Dick Vermeil then named Warner as the starter. Vermeil famously said, "We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we'll play good football."

With star players like running back Marshall Faulk and wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, Warner had an amazing season. He threw for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdown passes. The Rams' powerful offense was nicknamed "The Greatest Show on Turf." They scored over 500 points for three seasons in a row, an NFL record.

Warner threw three touchdown passes in each of his first three NFL starts, setting a new NFL record. He gained even more attention in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. He threw five touchdown passes in that game, leading the Rams to a big win. Sports Illustrated featured him on their cover with the question "Who Is This Guy?" Warner was named the 1999 NFL MVP. He led the Rams to their first playoff spot since 1989 and their first division title since 1985.

Warner at a press conference after Super Bowl XXXIV

In the playoffs, Warner led the Rams to win Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. He threw for two touchdowns and a Super Bowl-record 414 passing yards. This included a 73-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Bruce that won the game with just over two minutes left. Warner also set a Super Bowl record by throwing 45 passes without an interception. He was awarded the Super Bowl MVP award for his performance.

2000 and 2001 Seasons

Warner signed a seven-year contract for $47 million in 2000. He continued his strong play, throwing for over 300 yards in his first six games. He broke his hand and missed some games, but the Rams still had a record-breaking passing year. However, Warner threw more interceptions in 2000. The Rams lost in the wild card round of the playoffs.

In 2001, Warner returned to his MVP form. He led the league with 36 touchdown passes and 4,830 passing yards. He also had the best passer rating (101.4). Despite throwing a career-high 22 interceptions, he led "The Greatest Show on Turf" to a 14–2 record. They reached Super Bowl XXXVI. Warner was named NFL MVP for the second time in three seasons.

In Super Bowl XXXVI, Warner threw for 365 yards and a touchdown. But the New England Patriots defense caused him to throw two costly interceptions. The Rams fought back to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. However, the Patriots won 20–17 with a field goal as time ran out.

2002–2003 Seasons

Warner started the 2002 season poorly, throwing seven interceptions in three games. He then broke a finger on his throwing hand. He tried to come back but only played two more games, both losses.

In 2003, Warner was replaced as the Rams' starting quarterback after fumbling six times in the first game. He later said his hand had not fully healed. Marc Bulger became the new starter. The Rams released Warner on June 1, 2004.

New York Giants

Two days after leaving the Rams, Warner signed with the New York Giants. He started the 2004 season as their quarterback, winning five of his first seven games. After two losses, rookie quarterback Eli Manning was given the starting job. Warner's last appearance as a Giant was in a blowout loss against Baltimore. He then became a free agent.

Warner playing for the New York Giants in 2004

Arizona Cardinals: Another Super Bowl Run

2005–2007 Seasons

In 2005, Warner signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He was named the starter but got injured. After returning, he played well, even beating his old team, the Rams. His season ended in Week 15 due to a knee injury.

Warner signed a new contract with the Cardinals in 2006. He won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 1. He also passed 20,000 career passing yards in his 76th game, the second-fastest in NFL history. Later in the season, he was replaced by rookie Matt Leinart. However, Warner returned to play in the last two games due to Leinart's injury.

Leinart started the 2007 season, but Warner often came in to replace him. Warner led a big comeback against the Baltimore Ravens, though they still lost. After Leinart was injured, Warner became the starter for the rest of the season. He finished 2007 with 27 passing touchdowns.

2008 Season: Leading the Cardinals to the Super Bowl

Warner was named the Cardinals' starting quarterback for the 2008 season. He had a great year with 4,583 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He was the top-ranked passer in the NFC.

On December 7, 2008, Warner led the Cardinals to a win over the Rams. This secured the NFC West Division title for the Cardinals. It was their first division title since 1975. This also meant a home playoff game for Arizona, their first ever. Warner was named the starting quarterback for the NFC team in the 2009 Pro Bowl.

2008 Postseason

Warner at the 2009 Pro Bowl

On January 3, 2009, Warner led the Cardinals to a 30–24 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the playoffs. He threw two touchdowns.

On January 10, Warner helped the Cardinals beat the Carolina Panthers 33–13 in the second round. He threw two more touchdowns. This was the Cardinals' first win on the East Coast all season.

On January 18, Warner threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles. This led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in history. Warner became only the second quarterback to start a Super Bowl with two different teams.

In Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, the Cardinals lost 27–23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the loss, Warner threw for 377 yards, which was the fourth-highest total in Super Bowl history at that time. He joined a small group of quarterbacks who have thrown a touchdown pass in three Super Bowls.

2009 Season and Final Playoff Run

Warner wanted to return to the Cardinals for the 2009 season. After some talks, he re-signed with the team for a two-year deal worth $23 million. On September 20, 2009, Warner broke an NFL record for completion percentage in a regular season game, completing 92.3% of his passes.

On November 1, 2009, Warner threw a career-high five interceptions in a loss. But on November 8, he threw a career-high five touchdown passes in a win against the Chicago Bears. On November 15, he threw his 200th career touchdown pass.

On November 22, Warner left a game after getting a concussion. He missed the next game. On December 6, he returned and led the Cardinals to a win. He had his fourth straight game with a passer rating over 120, a rare feat. On December 27, Warner became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw 100 touchdown passes with two different teams.

2009 Postseason

On January 10, 2010, Warner threw five touchdowns and completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards. This was in a 51–45 victory over the Green Bay Packers. It was the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history. Warner became one of the few quarterbacks to throw more touchdowns (5) than incompletions (4) in a playoff game. He also tied the NFL record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes.

Kurt Warner being inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

On January 16, Warner was injured in the first half of a playoff game against New Orleans. He returned for the second half but was later replaced.

Retirement

Kurt Warner officially announced his retirement from the NFL in January 2010. He said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and seven children. He became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Post-Retirement Career

After retiring, Warner became a broadcaster for the Iowa Barnstormers. In May 2010, he was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame. He is also in the Iowa Barnstormers Hall of Fame.

In 2014, Warner was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. He was selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and was inducted on August 5, 2017. He is the only person in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

From 2015 to 2018, Warner coached at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2019, he has been the quarterbacks coach at Brophy College Preparatory.

Career Statistics and Records

AFL Career Statistics

NFL Europe Career Statistics

NFL Statistics

Regular Season

Postseason

NFL Records

Kurt Warner holds or shares several NFL records:

• First quarterback to throw for over 400 yards in a Super Bowl (414 yards in Super Bowl XXXIV).
• Most touchdown passes in a single postseason: 11 (in 2009). This record is tied with other great quarterbacks.
• Highest rate of games with 300+ yards passing (41.9%).
• First quarterback to throw 40 touchdowns and win a Super Bowl in the same season (1999).
• Most passing yards in the first five or six games of a season (in 2000).
• Highest average passing yards per game on Monday Night Football (329.4 yards).
• Most wins in the NFC Championship Game without a loss (3–0).

Warner shares records with other famous quarterbacks:

• One of four quarterbacks to throw 100 touchdown passes with two different teams.
• One of two quarterbacks to throw five touchdown passes in two playoff games.
• One of two quarterbacks to complete 80% of his passes in two playoff games.
• One of two quarterbacks with four straight games with a passer rating over 120.
• One of four quarterbacks to start Super Bowls with two different teams.
• One of five quarterbacks to win a Conference championship with two teams.

Rams Franchise Records

• Most touchdown passes in a single season (41, 1999).
• Highest passer rating in a single season (109.2, 1999).

Arizona Cardinals Records

• Most pass completions in a single game (40, September 28, 2008).
• Highest pass completion percentage with at least 11 passes (92.3%, September 20, 2009).
• Most passes completed in a single season (401, 2008).
• Most passes attempted in a single season (598, 2008).

Personal Life

Kurt and his wife Brenda in February 2005

Family and Marriage

Kurt Warner's parents divorced when he was six. He and his brother, Matt, lived with their mother. Kurt graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1989.

During college, Warner met Brenda Carney Meoni. They married on October 11, 1997. Brenda had two children from a previous marriage. Warner officially adopted them after they married. They later had five more children together.

His son E. J. is the starting quarterback for the Rice Owls. Another son, Kade, played wide receiver for the Kansas State Wildcats.

Christian Faith

Kurt and Brenda Warner are devout evangelical Christians. Warner's faith became known after the Rams' Super Bowl victory in 1999. When asked about the game-winning touchdown, he said, "First things first, I've got to thank my Lord and Savior up above — thank you, Jesus!"

Nine years later, after leading the Cardinals to the Super Bowl, his response was similar. He thanked Jesus and the fans for believing in him. Warner believes that God healed him from a concussion he had in 2000.

Broadcasting Career

In 2010, Warner joined NFL Network as an analyst. He appears regularly on shows like NFL Total Access. He also worked as an analyst for the NFL Network's coverage of the Arena Football League playoffs.

In August 2010, Fox Sports announced that Warner would be a color analyst for their NFL coverage. He called regional games.

Since 2018, Warner has been the full-time radio analyst for Monday Night Football on Westwood One radio.

Television and Film Appearances

Warner has appeared on several TV shows:

• The Biggest Loser (2009)
• The Suite Life on Deck (2010)
• The Jay Leno Show (2010)
• Dancing with the Stars (2010)
• The Moment (2013), a reality series where he was the host.
• Bella and the Bulldogs (2015)
• Life in Pieces (2017)

In 2003, a direct-to-home video called Kurt Warner's Good Sports Gang was released. It featured Warner as a coach of animated sports balls. The series focused on religious faith and moral values.

In February 2020, a movie about Warner's life, American Underdog, was announced. Zachary Levi played Warner in the film. It was released on December 25, 2021, and received good reviews.

Public Service and Awards

Warner has appeared in public service announcements for Civitan International. He promotes his and Brenda's volunteer work with people who have developmental disabilities. This cause is important to Warner because his adopted son, Zachary, has a brain injury.

Warner has dedicated time and money to his First Things First Foundation. The foundation helps people by promoting Christian values and providing opportunities. It supports children's hospitals, people with developmental disabilities, and single parents. Because of his work on and off the field, Warner received the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2008.

In March 2009, Warner received the Muhammad Ali Sports Leadership Award. He also won USA Weekend's Most Caring Athlete Award for 2009. In December 2009, NFL players voted him the best role model on and off the field in a Sports Illustrated poll.

In February 2010, Warner received the Bart Starr Award. This award is given for outstanding character and leadership.

Images for kids

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  Warner in 2022

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  Warner at a press conference after Super Bowl XXXIV

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  Warner playing for the New York Giants in 2004

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  Warner at the 2009 Pro Bowl

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  Kurt Warner being inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

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  Kurt and his wife Brenda in February 2005

See also

In Spanish: Kurt Warner para niños

• Kurt Warner's Arena Football Unleashed, a 2000 video game
• List of National Football League and Arena Football League players
• List of National Football League quarterback playoff records
• List of NFL players who have posted a perfect passer rating