Warner, Kurt (1971-…), ranks among the leading quarterbacks in National Football League (NFL) history. Through his arm strength and accuracy as a passer, Warner set numerous team and league passing records. While playing for the Saint Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams), Warner was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 seasons. He led the Rams to victory over the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 Super Bowl passing for 414 yards, a Super Bowl record at that time. Warner was named Most Valuable Player for the game.
Kurtis Eugene Warner was born on June 22, 1971, in Burlington, Iowa. He played football at Northern Iowa University, graduating in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Warner spent the 1994 training camp with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL as an undrafted free agent, but the Packers released him before the start of the season. He played for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League from 1995 to 1997.
Warner signed with the Rams in December 1997. The Rams assigned him to the Amsterdam Admirals of the NFL Europe developmental league, where he played in 1998. He also appeared in one game for the Rams during the 1998-1999 season. Warner exploded on the NFL scene the next season, passing for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdowns, breaking many single-season Rams passing records. He passed for 4,830 yards and 36 touchdowns during the 2001-2002 regular season. The Rams released Warner in 2004, and he played with the New York Giants that season. Warner signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2005. He led Arizona to the conference championship in the 2008-2009 season. The Cardinals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-23, in an exciting Super Bowl. Warner announced his retirement in 2010. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
