Kurt Warner’s phenomenal 15-year career, along with his moving grass-to-grace tale, has translated into rising fame and a sizable wealth over the years. Curtis earned a whopping $65 million throughout his career as a football player and NFL great. He has also had several sponsorship deals. Today, he makes about $4 million annually.
During his playing days, Warner made an estimated $225,000 per season. After retirement, his annual income rose to $1.5 million. In 2004, his net worth was estimated at $12.5 million by Sports Illustrated. By 2013, Forbes estimated his net worth at $40 million.
Warner started out as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. During his time with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, he led them to three Super Bowl appearances. He also helped win two Super Bowls with those teams.
After leaving the NFL, he became the starting quarterback for the 2001 Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League (AFL). He led the team to a 10-4 regular season record and won their first ArenaBowl title. After one season, he retired from professional football.
In 2002, he returned for one final season with the Rams. He finished his career with 4,347 yards passing and 24 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions. He also had a rushing touchdown.
Kurt Warner’s narrative is one of a man full of dignity, class, and unshakable faith who captivated the sports world and beyond. Warner defied the odds by leading two perennial doormat teams to the Super Bowl and etching his name in the NFL record books along the way. He also became a role model for millions of children across the country who love football but are deterred from trying it because of its violent reputation.
As a high school senior in Miami, Florida, Warner decided he wanted to be in the NFL. His only path to get there was through college football, so he began training daily with coaches and players in order to improve his skills. He quickly rose through the ranks at the University of Missouri and was drafted third overall by the St. Louis Rams in 1998. From that point on out, everything fell into place for Warner. He led the Rams to the playoffs each year while compiling over 10,000 yards passing and becoming one of the most beloved players in the process.
Warner ended up winning the MVP award after leading the Rams to a 13-3 season and throwing for 4,057 yards and 28 touchdowns. The following year, he helped lead St. Louis to its first ever Super Bowl victory over New England. After three seasons with the Rams, Warner was traded to the Arizona Cardinals where he finished out his career.
Kurt Warner is a superb quarterback who is one excellent season away from being inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player twice. He won the Super Bowl in 1999 and guided his club to the title game in 2001 and 2008. The only thing that keeps him from being unanimous choice for the top spot is his rivalry with Peyton Manning.
When Warner came out of Missouri Western College, no one knew what to make of the 6’0”, 185-pound quarterback. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams after his first year as a backup, but was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals at the end of training camp. The Cardinals were trying out different quarterbacks since their regular starter was injured. In four games, Warner threw for 1,719 yards with 11 touchdowns vs. five interceptions.
After the season, the Rams chose Warner in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He started all 16 games for the Rams that season and led them to the playoffs as a wild card team. His best performance came against the Indianapolis Colts when he passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-45 victory. This earned him MVP honors for that game. The following season, Warner helped lead the Rams to their first Super Bowl appearance. He had two touchdown passes and no interceptions in the game as his team lost to the New England Patriots 14-10.
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