As we begin to wait for Brett Favre to announce whether he'll return or retire, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner makes it easy on us all and announces his retirement just days after his season ends. Warner, a 3-time league MVP announces his retirement just one season after leading the Arizona Cardinals to their first Superbowl appearance. Unlike other players who retire due to injury or lack of production, Warner chooses to retire and become a true family man. Warner who has seven kids, says he's looking forward to finally becoming a true father and spending time with his wife. As his family looks forward to his arrival at home, his team on the other hand will deeply miss his presence.
During his five seasons in Arizona, Warner helped resurrect a Cardinals team and led them to back-to-back NFC West division tittles for the first time in franchise history in '08 & '09 and the team's first ever Superbowl in 2008. The 38 year old QB did the same with the St. Louis Rams who he won a Superbowl with in 1999 against the Tennessee Titans. Warner's Rams made back-to-back Superbowl appearances by reclaiming the NFC Championship in 2000, but then lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Warner threw for at least 100 touchdown passes with both teams (Rams & Cards), becoming only the second player in NFL history to do so. Fran Tarkenton was the first to reach the feat. With Warner's departure, he'll walk away from a second year option on his contract worth an estimated $4 million dollars.
Next on Warner's list you ask? The Hall of Fame. The 11-year veteran who started his pro football career in the Arena Football League owns a handful of trophies and records and could make for a strong debate to become a first ballot hall of famer. The former Superbowl MVP and 4-time Pro-Bowler will now make way for Cardinals QB Matt Leinart. Although many will miss the crafty veteran, I'm glad he'll no longer be in the same division as my team, hopefully making it easier for my 49ers to takeover the division and reclaim what's rightfully ours. Happy Trails Captain Kurt!
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