USA Football recently had the opportunity to visit with Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner as he prepares for his third Super Bowl appearance and his first with the Cardinals. Warner, an 11-year NFL veteran and two-time league MVP (1999 and 2001), has guided Arizona to its first-ever championship game, and he has an amazing story of professional perseverance. Prior to his Hall of Fame NFL career, Warner starred in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.
You've had a storybook career. What was the defining moment for you? Has there been more than one moment?
I think there have been a lot of defining moments. Referring all the way back to the Arena Football League, having success in Arena Football and being able to develop in that league I think was really important for me. Offensively, a lot of scoring and a lot of pressure on the quarterback, but I think it helped to define me as a quarterback.
Then obviously since then a number of defining moments in the NFL, whether it be winning the MVP my first year or going to the Super Bowl. A lot of things along the way I think have defined my career but those are just milestones that definitely stick out.
There are thousands of players out there trying to reach the NFL. As one who got to the pinnacle of the sport by unconventional means, what advice do you have for the guys that will go undrafted this year, the ones playing semi-pro football and Arena Football or any other type of football with the hopes of one day getting a shot in the NFL?
The only piece of advice that I would give is that all things are possible. That is the reason why I think my story speaks to so many people because I was the guy that was told he wasn't supposed to be here or I wasn't talented enough to be here or there is no way at your age or this or that. Fortunately I got an opportunity, and I was ready for it, and I have been able to parlay that into a great NFL career. I think that is the message I would share with anybody who is fighting that battle and wondering, ‘Well should I give up on my dream, or this is never going to happen?' You just never know, stay ready and stay prepared. If you love doing what you are doing, keep doing it and work hard.
Lastly, what advice would you give to a volunteer youth football coach who is trying to teach the game to the next generation of players?
The advice I would give is first study your craft so when you go out there to teach that, you are teaching these kids the right way and be an encouragement. I remember the coaches that I had at an early age were volunteer coaches, and they made a huge impact on my life encouraging me to follow my dreams. To push through something and not feel the pressure of having to perform but just continually encouraging me, and that is what I would encourage coaches at any level to do, but especially at the youth level. It is a tremendous opportunity to impact the lives of these young kids. Do it in a positive way both from a football standpoint, but also from a mental standpoint, in encouraging these young kids to accomplish great things.
