Kurt Warner Retires After 12 Seasons in the NFL

Charlie Klein

It was not too long ago that I would have arguments with my father about whether or not Kurt Warner deserved a spot in Canton, Ohio. This is perhaps more of a reflection upon the fact that Warner played for two rivals of my favourite NFL team (Seattle Seahawks) than anything that Kurt ever did on the playing field. By January 29, 2010 my opinion of Mr. Warner has done a complete 180.

Today Kurt Warner announced his retirement from the game of football. Honestly it is not that surprising considering the beating he took over the past season and he was, aside from Brett Favre, the oldest starting quaterback in the league in 2009.

Warner said today at his press conference that "I'm excited about what lies in front of me. I'm excited about spending more time with my family, and seeing what God's going to do next."

One of the classiest class acts in the NFL, Kurt Warner typified what it meant to be a professional. His story is an inspiration to anyone who has dreams of making something of their lives. Once a grocery store shelf stocker, Warner rose through the ranks in arena football and NFL Europe to make it with the St. Louis Rams as a back-up quarterback to then starter Trent Green. During the Rams first preseason game of 1999 Green tore his ACL. Enter Kurt Warner. In his first season he led one of the most prolific offensive teams in NFL history to the franchise's first Super Bowl win over the Tennessee Titans.

From then on Warner never looked back. He won the NFL MVP award in 1999 and in 2001 as the commander in chief of the greatest show on turf. In 2003 it appeared as though the fairytale of Warner's rise to prominence in the NFL was going to end in Shakespearean tragedy. Following an injury and inconsistent play he was released the next summer and signed with the Giants. Not every player is meant to shine in New York, and Warner was no exception to this rule. The Giants struggled out of the gate and Warner, while leading the G-Men to a 5-4 record, was replaced by highly touted rookie Eli Manning.

After a tumultuous two years for Warner, he found himself a home in Glendale, Arizona with the Cardinals in 2005. He, along with coach Ken Wisenhunt, helped change the culture of the Cardinals into one of winning. Warner led the Cardinals to their first division title and playoff berth two seasons ago and led the Cards to their first ever Super Bowl. He also owns the top three single game quarterback ratings in NFL postseason history.

Kurt Warner is a dead cert for a bust in Canton. As a fan of the NFL, I am sad to see him go. Even though he normally stuck it to my Seahawks, I will always respect the professional he was on and off the field. Thanks for proving dreams can come true Kurt. You are an inspiration to us all.