Kurt Warner: Career retrospective
Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner is an All-American success story. From stocking shelves at his local grocery store to winning the Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams, Warner is living proof anything is possible. Let’s take a look at his unlikely story.
He threw the Super Bowl-winning touchdown pass to Issac Bruce with two minutes left. In the final frame, Warner logged 414 passing yards (a Super Bowl record at the time) and won Super Bowl MVP. Warner showed poise, toughness, and resiliency throughout the Rams’ unforgettable Super Bowl run.
New England Patriots, who were looking to win their first Super Bowl. The game was a real nail-biter. In the end, the Patriots beat the Rams on an Adam Vinatieri game-winning field goal (the first of many). The heartbreaking loss wasn’t what the Rams intended. Still, going to two Super Bowls in three years is a prestigious accomplishment.
Marshall Faulk, Issac Bruce, and Orlando Pace, along with star receiver Torry Holt, playoff hero Ricky Proehl, and Az-Zahir Hakim.
The high-octane offense revolutionized the NFL. They were one of the first teams to consistently bring out four wide receivers and helped usher in the spread offense to football. Their pass-first, big-play mentality made them fun to watch. And they benefited by playing most of their games indoors — the perfect conditions for their offense. Warner’s days in the AFL were great training for his time as the leader of The Greatest Show on Turf.
New York Giants signed Warner to show first-overall pick Eli Manning how it’s done. Warner took on the role of bridge quarterback with no complaints, exemplifying his lack of ego and goodhearted nature. Warner led the Giants to a 5-4 record, throwing for 2,054 yards and six touchdowns before being benched for Manning. Whatever Warner taught Manning, it worked. Manning won two Super Bowls and became a New York sports legend.
Matt Leinart and wanted Warner to mentor him as he did with Manning. Warner split the starting role with Leinart, who took over the reins of the offense early on. In 2007, Leinart was named the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. However, an injury to Leinart thrust Warner back into the starting role. Warner rallied late in the season to take his job back. The Cardinals ended the 2007 season on a good note, going 8-8. The foundation for a Super Bowl contender was built that year.
