History of Kurt Warner in Timeline
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.
June 22, 1971: Kurt Warner Born
On June 22, 1971, Kurtis Eugene Warner was born. He would later become a professional football quarterback in the NFL.
1985: Rams Last Division Title
1985 was the last time the Rams won the division title before Kurt Warner led them to win the title in 1999.
1989: Rams Last Playoff Berth
1989 was the last time the Rams made the playoffs before Kurt Warner led them to the playoffs in 1999.
1989: Graduation from Regis High School
In 1989, Kurt Warner graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids.
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.
1993: Graduation from University of Northern Iowa
In 1993, Kurt Warner graduated from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). During his senior year, he was named the Gateway Conference's Offensive Player of the Year.
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.
1994: Works at Hy-Vee Grocery Store
In 1994, after being released from the Packers, Kurt Warner worked at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa, stocking shelves for $5.50 an hour.
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.
October 11, 1997: Kurt Warner Marries Brenda Carney Meoni
On October 11, 1997, Kurt Warner married Brenda Carney Meoni, a former United States Marine Corps corporal. Brenda had two children from a previous marriage.
December 1997: Signed Future Contract with Rams
In December 1997, Kurt Warner signed a future contract with the St. Louis Rams.
1997: Deepened Dedication to Christianity
Around 1997, Kurt Warner deepened his dedication to Christianity.
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: High Performance
In 1999, he had an outstanding performance for The Greatest Show on Turf.
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: Concussion
In 2000, Kurt Warner suffered a concussion but believes that God healed him.
2000: Kurt Warner's Arena Football Unleashed Video Game Release
In 2000, following Warner's successful NFL season, the AFL released its first widely available video game, "Kurt Warner's Arena Football Unleashed", using his newfound fame.
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: Christian Identity
In 2001, Kurt Warner identified himself as a Christian in an interview with Charisma magazine.
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.
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: Indianapolis Colts Achieve 6-0 Start
From 2005, the Indianapolis Colts equaled the Rams' record of three consecutive 6-0 starts.
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.
2007: Indianapolis Colts Achieve 6-0 Start
In 2007, the Indianapolis Colts equaled the Rams' record of three consecutive 6-0 starts.
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.
January 27, 2009: The Biggest Loser Appearance
On January 27, 2009, Kurt Warner made a special appearance on the NBC reality show The Biggest Loser.
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.
March 17, 2009: Warner Undergoes Hip Surgery
On March 17, 2009, Kurt Warner underwent arthroscopic hip surgery to repair a torn labrum, an event that occurred after re-signing with the Cardinals.
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.
November 22, 2009: Warner Suffers Concussion
On November 22, 2009, Kurt Warner left the game during a 21–13 victory over the St. Louis Rams after suffering a concussion.
November 29, 2009: Warner Deactivated Due to Concussion Symptoms
On November 29, 2009, Kurt Warner was deactivated against the Tennessee Titans due to lingering post-concussion symptoms, ending his consecutive starts streak at 41 games.
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 2009: Sports Illustrated Poll
In December 2009, Kurt Warner topped a Sports Illustrated poll of NFL players as the best role model on and off the field.
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.
January 18, 2010: The Suite Life on Deck Guest Appearance
On January 18, 2010, Kurt Warner appeared as himself on Disney's The Suite Life on Deck, in the episode "Any Given Fantasy".
February 9, 2010: The Jay Leno Show Appearance
On February 9, 2010, Kurt Warner made a surprise guest appearance on the final episode of The Jay Leno Show.
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.
August 30, 2010: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
On August 30, 2010, it was announced that Kurt Warner would be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars with Anna Trebunskaya. They were eliminated in week 8.
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.
August 12, 2011: Inducted into Arena Football Hall of Fame
On August 12, 2011, Kurt Warner was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.
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.
2017: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2017, Kurt Warner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2018: Full-Time Radio Analyst
In 2018, Kurt Warner became the full-time radio analyst for Westwood One.
2018: Mahomes Surpasses Warner's Record
In 2018, Patrick Mahomes surpassed Kurt Warner's NFL record of throwing three touchdown passes in each of his first three NFL starts.
February 2020: American Underdog Announced
In February 2020, the Erwin Brothers announced that they were creating and releasing a theatrical film about the life of Kurt Warner, titled American Underdog.
January 2021: COVID-19 Diagnosis
In January 2021, Kurt Warner tested positive for COVID-19, preventing him from participating in the NFL GameDay Morning studio panel for the wild card playoff round.
December 25, 2021: American Underdog Release
On December 25, 2021, American Underdog, a film about Kurt Warner's life starring Zachary Levi, was released by Lionsgate to generally favorable reviews. It was produced by Kingdom Story Company.
2022: Mahomes Wins NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP
In the 2022 NFL season, Patrick Mahomes became the first player since Kurt Warner to win both the NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP in the same year.
April 2023: Kade Warner Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In April 2023, Kade Warner, Kurt Warner's son, who played wide receiver for the Kansas State Wildcats, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2023: Butter Sculpture at Iowa State Fair
In 2023, Kurt Warner was one of three Iowa college athletes to be the subject of a butter sculpture at the Iowa State Fair, alongside Caitlin Clark and Jack Trice.
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