Posted on 01/30/2010 9:39:04 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Even as he retired from football, Kurt Warner couldn't help but be concerned about the team he's leaving behind.
The Arizona Cardinals' fledgling success directly correlated to the rhythm of their passing offense, directed by the 38-year-old quarterback with perhaps the most improbable rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story in professional sports history.
But now he's gone.
"I don't think you can help but think about that," Warner said of the predicament his retirement could bring the Cardinals. "That's the hardest part for me."
However, thanks to Warner, a two-time league MVP, at least a model for success has been built.
"It's important to me to feel that I was leaving an organization in better shape than when I got here," he said during a Friday news conference at the team's practice facility.
Amen to that.
And it's splendidly ironic that his likely successor, former USC hotshot Matt Leinart, is the same kid the Cardinals attempted to have take over for Warner a season after Kurt arrived. Denny Green was coaching Arizona then, and after Leinart turned out not to be who the Cardinals thought he was, the resulting lack of victories put Green on the firing line.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Unbelievable story.
I really like the Guy.
Love the echo of Denny Green's most famous line.
It would not surprise me at all to see Donovan McNabb in Arizona next year.
Class act, the kind of person kids need to look up too.
I’m sorry to see him go..(I own Fitzgerald in a keeper league and I’m afraid his value just took a major hit)..
I surely hope he doesn’t change his mind and come back, but from the sincerity of the retirement statement, he’s leaving on his terms, the best way to go..
That would be interesting....
He is a Great QB!
Now that would be a tragedy
Going a class act QB like Warner to an over rated whiner like McNabb
That's just incredible.
I don't believe sports figures should be role models but in Warner's case he's a genuine role model - the real deal.
There goes a good man I hope he makes it into the Hall of Fame first try and enjoys his family in his retirement.
He still operates his charity in St. Louis even though he no longer lives there.
First ballot HOF’er. It still kills me that the Browns could have had Warner in the expansion draft in ‘99 when the team came back, but passed him over.
Doesn’t surprise me. He is a class act all the way in his personal life as well as his professional life. I’m glad he is leaving with dignity and grace. His family needs him and he has a career to be proud of.
I hope Bret Farve will follow suit. He is not old but...he is TOO old to be doing what he is doing and getting the life beat out of him. He should exit stage left too with dignity and grace. Enjoy his family and take pride in his past.
However, that is his choice and I fear he will continue to play. At any rate...I’m happy Warner has made such a great decision for himself and his family. He’s one helluva guy, husband and father!!!! Good luck Warner.
Kurt was never handed anything. He worked and fought hard to become “one of the great ones”. Great job Kurt. You’ll be missed here in Arizona.
Warner’s case he’s a genuine role model - the real deal.
And that my friend is exactly WHY he is looked upon as a role model because people FEEL it and see it. He lives his life on a daily basis with goodness, respect and love for himself and his family. THAT’S role model by example and not because someone on TV says you are. Good for Kurt.
What will be his movie called? From a stock clerk to a Hall of Fame?
From can stacker to...
Leinart had some growing up to do.
I wish him well.
Na... Leinart ready, when Warner was out for the Titan game, Leinart did dam good on a days notice... besides that fact Warner has be grooming and working with Leinart these years in the background....
Safe bet Warner stays on with the Cardinals as a coach... the Cards have a "family thing" going on that they never did under Denny Green's
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