Raising Zona
FanSided

Quarterback joins Arizona Cardinals’ Hall of Fame club

By Jim Koch

PHOENIX - MAY 23: Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner sits with his wife Brenda prior to the Phoenix Suns playing the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center on May 23, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX - MAY 23: Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner sits with his wife Brenda prior to the Phoenix Suns playing the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center on May 23, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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When the Arizona Cardinals took a chance on Kurt Warner in 2005, little did they know how rewarding the alliance would be

Fans of the Arizona Cardinals had to endure a long wait this past Saturday night. The Hall of Fame enshrinement speeches, particularly the one Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones delivered, seemed to go on and on. Kurt Warner, the one they tuned in to see, would be the last one of the night.

The former Cardinals’ quarterback was certainly worth the wait.

Anyone who didn’t feel inspired after Warner’s heartwarming, motivating speech should check themselves for a pulse. The story of the man who went from stocking shelves in a supermarket to Super Bowl champion is worthy of a Hollywood script. An induction into the Hall was the perfect ending to one of the most interesting, inspiring NFL tales ever told.

Chosen to present the two-time NFL MVP was his wife Brenda, the woman who has been with Warner every step of the way. The couple have been married for 20 years and have seven children (two from Brenda’s first marriage). Kurt has obviously learned quite alot from his long-time partner in life, especially how to perservere through the most trying of circumstances.

The couple’s son Zack is handicapped and partially blind from an accident that occurred when he was just four months old. Brenda’s first husband accidentally dropped the toddler on his head, causing permanent damage. If that wasn’t enough, Brenda’s parents were killed in a tornado in 1996.

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The tragedy Warner and his wife have experienced off the field has helped put into perspective any pitfalls the four-time Pro Bowler has faced on it. Despite leading the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowl appearances (winning one), Warner was brushed aside for Marc Bulger following the 2003 season. It was around this time that the signal-caller developed a propensity for fumbling, and was deemed “washed-up ” after spending 2004 with the New York Giants.

Warner refused to buy into what the critics were saying, and signed with the Cards in 2005 to revive his career. Three seasons later he led the franchise to their one and only Super Bowl appearance. He got Arizona into the playoffs once again following the 2009 campaign, before retiring in January of 2010.

During his memorable speech, Warner spoke of specific, important moments that helped shape his life. “(Moments) leave their impression upon us, they shape how we live our lives, and they impact who we become. Don’t miss your moment.”

We won’t, Kurt. And thanks for all the memories.

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