Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kurt Warner

How Kurt Warner built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kurt Warner is a former NFL quarterback renowned for his improbable rise from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl MVP. He played 12 seasons, primarily with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. Warner's career is celebrated as one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NFL history, marked by two MVP awards and exceptional leadership.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: College Football Career Begins

In 1990, Kurt Warner began his college football career playing for the Northern Iowa Panthers.

1993: End of College Football Career

In 1993, Kurt Warner concluded his college football career with the Northern Iowa Panthers.

1994: Signed and Released by the Packers

In 1994, Kurt Warner was signed by the Green Bay Packers but was released before the regular season.

1994: Undrafted and Packers Training Camp

In 1994, Kurt Warner went undrafted in the NFL draft but was invited to the Green Bay Packers' training camp. He was later released before the regular season began.

1995: Signs with Iowa Barnstormers

In 1995, Kurt Warner joined the Arena Football League (AFL) and signed with the Iowa Barnstormers.

1996: Named to AFL First-Team All-Arena

In 1996, Kurt Warner was named to the AFL's First-team All-Arena after leading the Iowa Barnstormers to an ArenaBowl appearance.

December 1997: Signed Future Contract with Rams

In December 1997, Kurt Warner signed a future contract with the St. Louis Rams.

1997: Tryout with Chicago Bears Canceled Due to Injury

Before the 1997 NFL season, Kurt Warner had a tryout scheduled with the Chicago Bears, but it was canceled due to an elbow injury sustained from an insect bite during his honeymoon.

1997: Named to AFL First-Team All-Arena Again

In 1997, Kurt Warner was again named to the AFL's First-team All-Arena, marking his second consecutive year, after leading the Barnstormers to another ArenaBowl appearance.

February 1998: Played for Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe

In February 1998, Kurt Warner was allocated to NFL Europe and played for the Amsterdam Admirals, leading the league in touchdowns and passing yards.

1998: Joins the St. Louis Rams

In 1998, Kurt Warner secured his first NFL roster spot with the St. Louis Rams, initially as a backup quarterback.

1999: Breakout NFL Season and MVP Award

In 1999, Kurt Warner had a breakout season with the Rams, leading them to their first playoff berth since 1989 and earning the NFL MVP award. Sports Illustrated featured him on their October 18 cover with the caption "Who Is This Guy?"

1999: Record-Setting Season

In 1999, Kurt Warner had a record-setting season racking up 300 or more passing yards in each of his first six games.

1999: Inspiration for First Things First Foundation

In 1999, Kurt Warner's interview after winning the Super Bowl inspired the name of his First Things First Foundation, which promotes Christian values and provides opportunities for those in need.

1999: Rise to NFL Stardom

Kurt Warner cites his starting point at Hy-Vee when telling of his rise to NFL stardom in 1999.

1999: Unprotected in Expansion Draft

Prior to the 1999 free-agency period, the Rams chose Kurt Warner to be one of the team's five unprotected players in the 1999 NFL expansion draft; he went unselected by the Cleveland Browns.

2000: Signed Seven-Year Contract

On July 21, 2000, Kurt Warner signed a seven-year contract worth $47 million. He broke his hand during the season. Despite high passing yards, the Rams lost in the wild card round. Trent Green was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs during the off season.

2001: Second NFL MVP Award

In 2001, Kurt Warner returned to MVP form, leading the league in touchdown passes and passing yards, and earning his second NFL MVP award. The Rams finished with a 14-2 record and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVI.

2002: Poor Performance and Injury

In 2002, Kurt Warner had a poor start to the season and broke a finger on his throwing hand in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, leading to limited playing time for the rest of the season.

2003: Kurt Warner's Good Sports Gang Release

In 2003, GoodTimes Entertainment released Kurt Warner's Good Sports Gang, a direct-to-home video featuring Warner as the 'coach' of animated sports balls. The series focused on religious faith and moral values, with proceeds benefiting Warner's First Things First Foundation. Episode 1: Elliot the Invincible was the only release, along with Together, We're Better (Episode 2) and some shorts.

Loading Video...

June 1, 2004: Released by the Rams

On June 1, 2004, the Rams released Kurt Warner, with three years remaining on his contract.

2004: Signs with the New York Giants

In 2004, Kurt Warner signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants. After winning five of his first seven games, he was benched in favor of rookie Eli Manning and ultimately left the team after the season.

2004: Released from the St. Louis Rams

In 2004, Kurt Warner was released from the St. Louis Rams after a decline in performance.

2005: Signs with Arizona Cardinals

In early 2005, Kurt Warner signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals and was initially named the starter, but he was later replaced due to injury and the performance of Josh McCown.

February 14, 2006: Signs Three-Year Extension with Cardinals

On February 14, 2006, Kurt Warner signed a new three-year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals.

2006: Milestone Passing Yards

In 2006, Kurt Warner achieved the 20,000-yard passing milestone in his 76th game, the second-quickest in NFL history, and won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award in week 1.

September 30, 2007: Warner Relieves Leinart Against Steelers

On September 30, 2007, Kurt Warner relieved Matt Leinart during the week four game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after an ineffective start by Leinart. Warner completed 14 of 21 attempts for 132 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, but Leinart re-entered the game in the 4th quarter. After Leinart was placed on injured reserve, Warner was named the starter for the remainder of the 2007 season.

2007: Relieves Leinart and Leads Comeback

In 2007, during the third game of the season, Kurt Warner came off the bench to relieve Matt Leinart and led a comeback against the Baltimore Ravens.

December 7, 2008: Cardinals Secure NFC West Title

On December 7, 2008, Kurt Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to a 34-10 victory over the St. Louis Rams, securing the NFC West Division title and their first playoff berth since 1998. This was the Cardinals' first division title since 1975 and their third of the post-merger era, earning them a home playoff game, only their second ever and their first in Arizona.

December 16, 2008: Warner Named to 2009 Pro Bowl Team

On December 16, 2008, Kurt Warner was named the starting quarterback for the NFC team in the 2009 Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season.

2008: Leads Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII

In 2008, Kurt Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to their franchise's first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XLIII.

2008: NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

In 2008, Kurt Warner was awarded the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, recognizing his work on and off the field, and was presented the award at the start of Super Bowl XLIII.

January 3, 2009: Cardinals Defeat Falcons in Playoffs

On January 3, 2009, Kurt Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to a 30-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the playoffs. Warner completed 19 of 32 passes for 271 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception.

February 27, 2009: Warner Becomes a Free Agent

On February 27, 2009, Kurt Warner became a free agent after his contract with the Arizona Cardinals expired, leading to discussions with other teams like the San Francisco 49ers.

March 2009: Muhammad Ali Sports Leadership Award

In March 2009, Kurt Warner was honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Leadership Award.

September 20, 2009: Warner Breaks NFL Completion Percentage Record

On September 20, 2009, Kurt Warner broke the NFL's single-game record for completion percentage in the regular season, completing 24 of 26 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns in a 31–17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Warner's 92.3% completion rate broke the previous NFL record set by Vinny Testaverde in 1993.

November 1, 2009: Warner Throws Career-High Interceptions, Reaches 14,000 Yards with Two Teams

On November 1, 2009, Kurt Warner threw a career-high-equaling five interceptions during a loss to the Carolina Panthers. During the same game, Warner became the first quarterback in the NFL to throw for over 14,000 yards with two teams.

November 15, 2009: Warner Reaches 200th Touchdown Pass

On November 15, 2009, Kurt Warner reached a career milestone with his 200th touchdown pass during a 31-20 win against the Seattle Seahawks.

December 6, 2009: Warner Returns After Concussion

On December 6, 2009, Kurt Warner returned to action as the Cardinals defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30–17. Warner registered his fourth consecutive game with a passer rating of 120 or better, making him only the second quarterback in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

December 27, 2009: Warner Achieves 100 Touchdown Passes with Two Teams

On December 27, 2009, Kurt Warner became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw 100 touchdown passes with two teams, joining Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, in the Cardinals' 31–10 win over the St. Louis Rams.

December 29, 2009: Warner Named Pro Bowl Alternate

On December 29, 2009, Kurt Warner was named an alternate quarterback for the NFC team in the 2010 Pro Bowl.

January 10, 2010: Warner Throws Five Touchdowns in Playoff Victory

On January 10, 2010, Kurt Warner threw five touchdowns and completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards in a 51–45 victory over the Green Bay Packers. This game had the highest combined total score in NFL playoff history, and Warner became one of the few quarterbacks in NFL history to throw more touchdowns than incompletions in a playoff game.

January 2010: Warner Announces Retirement from NFL

In January 2010, Kurt Warner officially announced his retirement from the NFL, expressing his desire to focus on his family and spend time with his wife and seven children. He cited the impact of his family, former teammates, and faith as contributing factors.

February 2010: Bart Starr Award

In February 2010, Kurt Warner received the annual Bart Starr Award for outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.

May 2010: Warner Inducted into Arena Football Hall of Fame

In May 2010, Kurt Warner was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and achievements in the Arena Football League.

August 2010: Fox Sports Analyst

In August 2010, Kurt Warner joined Fox Sports as a color analyst for NFL coverage, teaming with Chris Rose and Chris Myers to call regional games.

December 3, 2010: Endorsement Agreement with Amway

On December 3, 2010, Amway North America announced a multi-year endorsement agreement with Kurt Warner to represent the Nutrilite brand. Amway also donated $50,000 to Warner's First Things First Foundation.

2010: Joins NFL Network

In 2010, Kurt Warner became an analyst for NFL Network, appearing on shows like NFL Total Access and Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Sears, and covered the Arena Football League playoffs.

Loading Video...

2013: Host of The Moment

In 2013, Kurt Warner hosted The Moment, a reality series on USA Network.

Loading Video...

2014: Westwood One Analyst

In 2014, Kurt Warner was hired by Westwood One radio as a substitute analyst for Monday Night Football games.

August 5, 2017: Warner Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 5, 2017, Kurt Warner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, alongside other football legends. This honor recognizes his outstanding career and significant contributions to the sport.