Kurt Warner: My Journey from Arena League to NFL Stardom | Undeniable with Joe Buck

NFL HOF and Rams Legend Kurt Warner sits down with Joe Buck and talks about his unbelievable underdog story from grocery bagger to NFL legend.

[@zein9227]

I love Kurt Warner. I'm a Packers fan but I'm also from Germany and I saw Kurt as the Admirals QB and he was really good. He torched the German teams Rhein Fire and Galaxy. I had seen him in Düsseldorf once and when he became the Rams starter it was surreal. Between 1999 and 2002 I watched all the Rams games that I could find on TV. He was really, really special. I admire his perseverance and class.

[@TheCountofToulouse]

"We will rally around Kurt Warner and we will PLAY good football". I can never forget that quote.

[@TheVlad1616]

And we all thought it was just coach speak…..

[@paulderouen8566]

Kurt you absolutely belong in the Hall of Fame never doubt that not only are you an incredible human being but one of the best quarterback to ever ever ever play the game. God bless you sir

[@danobrien8295]

Kurt Warner will be remembered for the class act he is!

[@AndrewByrne-wn8cl]

This man doesn’t think he belongs in the Hall of Fame? How humble could one get! He is such a good role model for any one!

[@DJLinspires]

Truly inspiring!

[@boogitybear2283]

I can tell you what game made him a shoe in Hall of Famer; his final win over Green Bay in that iconic Wild Card Game! That was I think his greatest game!

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

I think a lot of players feel that way. It just shows they’re focused on the team and not themselves.

[@Phil-s7w]

Kurt Warner is a winner in life. What matters most.

[@willl7780]

100%

[@AhDollar]

and he's not an [alleged] "non-consensual hookup artist" like big ben 10

[@KarlPriedeman]

This interview reveals the humility and faith of a man whose character is based in family and God. Thank you Joe for the excellent interview with Kurt Warner!

[@DJLinspires]

Truly inspiring!

[@seanflannick9215]

The year Kurt Warner burst on the scene..I had drafted Marshal Faulk and some guy named Issac Bruce. Then when Green got hurt ..I watched some no name throw 3 TD’s! On a whim I picked him up after week 1.. by week 3 he was unstoppable. The other two were unstoppable!, I dominated the league! I was a guru! Great times! The reality is this guy is like a saint, perfect example of how to be a real man!

[@jamesbright-tz3kl]

1/great man/and his wife/and family the way he and his family stay with the whole thing said it all

[@keithconnell8460]

Faulk and Warner were picks 1 or 2 in fantasy drafts for several years. Pick either and win your league.

[@dave3156]

This man is a class act! Never doubt that you belong in the Hall of Fame.

[@Mr196710]

I never played a down though. Why would everyone belong in the HOF?

[@DanielBarberMusic]

This is EXACTLY what I dropped down here to say. Pure class, this guy. Every single word he spoke was class. Excellent example of what humility and confidence together look like. Well balanced, sharp, and respectful.

[@DJLinspires]

Facts!

[@adventure002006]

Very few stories as amazing as this❤❤

[@JhutaNabi]

Yes, the “truth is stranger than fiction” kind.

[@domtam6571]

Warner’s story always brings tears of joy to me. “I know I can when given the opportunity.”

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

I knew about him from UNI, he had a near undefeated season, as a senior. UNI didn't lose enough his junior year to bench any starters. we said hello a few times when he was a Barnstormer. Lived in the same apartment complex as the team, free housing during the season. Pretty nice guy, always was friendly to my dad when he'd stand outside their apt yelling up to his teammate in the apt above. He was amazing playing arenaball.

[@juniordaddyman]

Kurt couldn’t have had a better coach than Vermeil. After all, he let Vince Papale make the team in Philly! He was a good judge of talent and character! It was meant to be!!

[@travishendrix7026]

Warners story is a throwback to the days of old in the NFL when players loved the game. For years players were low wage and brutally treated. Kurt was the last glimpse of this breed of man ill see in the last years of my life. HOF and one of the greats in every arena. No debate. God bless you and yours my brother.

[@christopherdial3818]

One of the best persons to ever play the game!!

[@pranavsambamurti7746]

A great quarterback, and an even better Man......🏈

[@Ralph-Hurley]

What a class act Kurt Warner is. He was not only one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, he is a great human being. The more l learn about him the more l admire him. Great interview.

[@MarkQuick-h4z]

I never get tired of hearing and seeing a " good guy" like Kurt win it all!

[@donjohnson5172]

Kurt Warner was the first NFL quarterback name that I learned on my own. As a kid I'd heard of Marino, Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Namath, etc. But Kurt Warner was the first player that I remember watching and actually seeing for myself that "wow, this Warner guy is really good. I think I'm gonna pull for the Rams". Little did I know that I was watching one of the greatest offenses to ever be assembled.

[@BlahBlah-em2ed]

I met Kurt at the 2022 Big 12 Championship game in Dallas. Very nice guy. He sat with the other parents rooting for their sons on the Kansas State Wildcats. Super nice guy.

[@jimwerther]

Kurt Warner threw for 300 yards in 44% of his starts. The guy in second place? 28%! Yes, Kurt, you are absolutely a Hall of Famer.

[@thehaunted8055]

One of the best underdog stories in sports history

[@carlmack2188]

There may be some QBs who throw as well, but NONE better; he threw ropes with the right arc, the right lead and tempo, beautiful touch; and he’s a humble great person.

[@thomaspick4123]

The best part about Kurt is that he is a Christian. That grating Buck guy, look at his ear lobes. Buck does not pass Adolf’s ear lobes test!

[@christaaneayrs5034]

@@thomaspick4123frf😮hh😅😅😅asG😮😮

[@swampfox10251951]

​

[@bobshultz3953]

​@@thomaspick4123 3y😢😢

[@Mr196710]

​@@thomaspick4123 What do earlobes have to do with his personality?

[@travislee4781]

Brock Purdy ( Kurt Warner 2.0 ? ) 🙏🏽😎. As a 49ers fan since 79. I’ve always admired Kurt Warner. He is what a man should aspire to be on & off the field. Much props & respect for him!!! Thank you Kurt for all that you did & continue to do for the game of football👊🏽

[@GuitarMatt]

Redskins fan from 1973 DOB who remembers when my team, way long ago, was your Bay area rival for NFC supremacy in the 1980s. Hate to say it, but all because of Brock, I'm pulling for the 49ers in the Super bowl to win the SB. Signing off, HTTR for life! PS--I have to give you credit for rooting for this underdog rival of your team (those Rams), except for instances that affected yours in the old NFC West too. Last, but not least, Kurt! (I had friends call me from my hometown from the DC areq when he lifted our local Cardinals, who I never rooted for, by the way, praising this dude, leading the AZ Cards to a Super Bowl too, in addition to the helpless Rams earlier in his career)

[@__Peeps__]

Joe Buck…great job in this interview as with all you do!!!

[@nitro_001newman2]

I grew up a Los Angeles Rams fan all my life, but regardless my favorite Rams team was the St. Louis Rams led by Kurt Warner. With Kurt Warner at quarterback, the Rams were the most exciting team to watch in my history of watching Rams football.

[@WalterWeldon-yb5cn]

Same here my friend.....Even when our beloved talented yet empty championship trophy case ( back in the day) Los Angeles Rams moved away we still rooted for them and the team with the horned helmets played indoors two time zones to the east. The greatest show on turf and the conductors wand expertly handled by the man spotlighted in this video....Mr Kurt Warner. He is exactly as advertised. An outstanding player and even better human being. Ram fan for life no matter where they play their games.

[@edwardhuster8466]

A Good story for persistence pays off.

[@frederickking1660]

Dick Vermil gave the commencement speech at my high school graduation. And he cried. So glad he got to be part of that incredible time with the rams. Kurt Warner was a machine. The whole team was. They took it to another level.

[@bradleymiller7375]

The greatest show on tuff!

[@jimwerther]

Dick Vermeil always cries at the drop of a hat. Famous for that. Also known for caring very deeply about everyone in his life, players and otherwise. Vermeil is a very genuine person.

[@stephengiese7549]

A wonderful mother who sacrificed whatever for her children. He never give up and took it one day at a time. Leadership and ability😊

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

Not sure there has been another athlete in my lifetime that I have liked as a person quite as well as Kurt Warner.

[@garylobo348]

Kurt I'm a St. Louisan and you are my favorite athlete of all time, and the person that you are makes it so much easier to feel that way. I also truly believe in my heart of hearts that had Dick Vermeil NOT retired after your SB win, that the Rams would have indeed become a dynasty. Mike Martz was an unbelievable offensive coordinator, but didn't have the personality to be an effective head coach. He ended up running you out of town. Vermeil was perfect in the job. Only to retire and then come back a year later with KC. THE GREATEST SHOW WAS INDEED THE PERFECT STORM!

[@GuitarMatt]

You guys also finally got a Stanley Cup in hockey after my team finally got one too! Go CAPS!! (the next year)

[@jimwerther]

Yes, the Rams pushed out Vermeil in order to keep Martz. Bad move.

[@ORagnar]

He gave us a great ride in St. Louis with the Rams and I also followed the Cardinals in Arizona because they were a St. Louis team prior to moving to Arizona. He came with in an eyelash of winning that Super Bowl as well. He's a great quarterback and he's also one of my favorite QB analysists today. 9

[@dekjules32]

I love the words from Joe at the end. One man lifting another up.

[@EnSerio71]

Coach V was the coach that gave Papale a chance in Philly so it's fitting he gave Kurt a chance and another Superbowl.

[@kennethbrady]

Great point.

[@bobbyepolito8965]

Total Class!!! On and off the field.....

[@JOHNVILLAGRANA-g6d]

The true definition of a “MAN” Kurt Warner

[@dansnyder9102]

Kurt Warner is a gem. True example of the American Dream!

[@moteleyes2]

This guy is a fighter. ❤ life is difficult and is not always fair but this guy..... awesome. What a story. 👍🥰👍🥰👍🥰👍🥰

[@dannyburch4973]

Definitely Underrated ,one of the best ever.

[@patmurphy6818]

Nice interview! Total class act.

[@VisserBros10]

That Cardinal run was special.

[@brent5173]

This piece is among the best I've ever seen. Honestly, you folks deserve an award!

[@leemurrah278]

What a great story Kurt Warner is! I moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in the late 1980s when Kurt was a senior at Regist High, the Catholic private school. He was a big star with his name was in the CR Gazette sport pages every Saturday during football season. After that he would disappear and then pop up again a few years later. FIrst it was University of Northern Iowa and then the St Louis Rams. As a Cowboys fan I always hated the Rams, but Kurt made me a fan. Same story with the Cardinals. What a great quarterback, and an even better human being!

[@FURPRONOUNS]

I played for Vinton & I had the privilege to play against him my senior year & he was a sophomore. Watching him warm up, we knew he was something special. Unfortunately we lost by 6. He also played for the Iowa barnstormers.

[@johnemmons8953]

He is a rare man who has terrific character. God bless you!

[@jamesdavison2927]

Kurt Warner Stan Musial My two sports icons, my two greatest sports heroes of my life I never saw Stan play , but his story MOVED me so much I SAW EVERY MINUTE OF KURT HES THE REAL DEAL hes as good as advertized Not a fake Not a phony As good of a man as he was a player THIS INTERVIEW WAS GREAT THANKS FOR POSTING IT

[@foyplummer2943]

Excellent. One of my favorite sports stories, and players.

[@aldeux7086]

12:58 my guy Kurt channeled his inner Allen Iverson about practice. 😂😂

[@ChristopherPirtle-j5w]

I agree. He was my favorite QB of all time

[@ivanr4300]

One of my favorite players!! Great interview

[@jeffmutch7640]

One of the better interviews I can remember watching. Great host, interesting guest, and honesty throughout. Great job!

[@michaeladamcairajr6366]

New Orleans was always dirty hitting,but Kurt is a pro a great QB,and a great guy,Thanks Kurt

[@TwilightxKnight13]

I was never a Rams fan, but that greatest show on turf was some of the most fun, most exciting football I ever saw.

[@kerrywilliams8536]

This is the prime example of a great man. A great human being. God Bless you and your family. If you only knew what took from this. When you talked perspective you are a man that has lived by principles. Thank you.

[@rolandhill8226]

Big Rams fan here, stretching back to the often frustrating times during their first run in L.A. I don't pay any mind at all to the NFL now. But I welled up with a teary pride when I re-lived for a moment here in the clip of Kurt and the boys beating San Fran after the Rams had been 0-17 against them for an eternity. Damn! that Greatest Show on Turf was a thing of beauty and made this one Rams fan happy when it actually happened on the field and almost as happy when watching it from the film archives years later. Listening to Kurt reminisce makes for a good show. Yeah, watching this was fun.

[@vinmartin6892]

YOU BELONG!!! Your playoff and Super Bowl stats are as good as anyone has ever achieved. Your heart is your greatest asset.

[@paulsolon6229]

He kept at it. Way to go

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

My favorite player of all time. Born and raised in Phoenix and have known numerous people who have met and had encounters with Kurt and every single one of them said he’s an amazing guy and extremely humble.

[@ricardojordanjordan2216]

You know what’s great about this show? It gives everybody a shot in the arm to work and believe in themselves. Keep going Mr Buck ( here from Brazil 🇧🇷)

[@tjbbmr]

The letter from his son is as moving as anything I’ve ever seen. The onions are killing me!

[@MrTravbad]

Ive watched American football in the UK for 40 years ... there have been many great quarterbacks, as a GB fan Favre, buy only 1 i admire ... Kurt worked hard for every single thing he accomplished and deserves it all

[@mnberry6890]

Riveting. Great inspirational moving interview.

[@thomasmcglaughlin1410]

Big fun, listening to these legends laughing about all of the great times in that golden era of the NBA.

[@fatcat809]

Such an inspiring story, really enjoyed the Ram’s Super Season.

[@RyanJ504]

I grew up not far from where Warner played, even coached in the UNIdome. A former coach of mine met him at a funeral and said he's every bit as kind and humble as advertised. A truly decent man in a world that could use a few more like him.

[@jameslufrano4001]

Oh man you REALLY don’t know how much I wanted to see do well and you never disappointed me! I stoped breathing when you went out of the pocket. But found a way, God blessed you and I .

[@peteorigliasso6834]

Great ending tribute by Joe Buck.

[@tolicelawrence461]

Warner is being incredibly gracious about that career ending hit. That hit was a dirty hit. The play was long over.

[@jameszelinske6329]

Would have deservedly have been a penalty in today's game

[@jpesicka492]

And we know now that that Saints defense was getting paid bonuses to hurt people or knock them out of the game. They messed up Favre pretty bad in the NFC Championship game.

[@AhDollar]

​@jpesicka492 geez, I always tell people the steelers defaulted on their remaining good luck during the 2009 bowl (they really only won due to a random fluke of dexterity), and have struggled to get a seventh win ever since, that team in the NFC, using the last of their luck would be the Saints, and I have to wonder how much of that was their dirty plays

[@southcst1]

He has an amazing story. I know it well, but not as much from his personal perspective, which made it so much better. He's a class act, and I hope he accomplishes what he is hoping for in the future. He deserves all of it.

[@stephensmith2458]

A inspiration in a true soul and life of human growth and commitment to never give up your dreams. Live on cuz it ain't over

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

His time in Arena football compressed his reaction time. He has stated that before.

[@reynaldomacahilas3072]

To be honest I thought the season was over when Trent Green went down I didn't even watch but I would look at the stats and for three games I saw 309 yards and three touchdowns 275 three touchdowns 310 yards three touchdowns and then I was sold on Kurt Warner

[@jimwerther]

I remember all that. The Rams were getting a lot of pre-season attention; _finally_ the year they would be successful. And then Trent Green went down, and...really? Their QB is some 27 year old they signed from the Arena League? How sad! Didn't last long: They blew teams out every week, and were quickly 18 or 22 point favorites. Wild stuff.

[@reynaldomacahilas3072]

@@jimwerther what a Cinderella story right from bagging groceries to the Arena League to BACK UP TO STARTING QB for the St. LOUIS RAMS

[@jimwerther]

@@reynaldomacahilas3072 To dominating the league, to winning the Super Bowl. In one year. Crazy.

[@jeffreynagy5395]

My respect for Kurt as a Christian grew exponentially after viewing this with J. Buck.

[@chadchesney3858]

I mean in a short career by HOF QB standards he had 3 Super Bowl appearances. Just great.

[@brucedixon5185]

I'm from Arizona. Became a fan of Cardinals when Kurt Warner arrived, not just because he won games, but because of his character and leadership, both on the field and off the field. Wish we had him back.

[@timmr8885]

Kurt, when you quarterbacked The Greatest Show on Turf you not only elevated your team, you elevated all of professional football across the country and internationally. Yes, you belong in the Hall, of course you do!

[@alanquintus2069]

Proud to be from the same state as KW. He's a hell of a good man

[@skaz777]

So amazingly great! What an episode! i am blessed - we are all so blessed to have watched this.

[@andrewstunich8173]

Kurt Warner was not only a great quarterback but a great role model and a gentleman.

[@holycow3890]

Kurt is perfect example on never give up on you're dream

[@BuzzsawBrent]

Thank you Kurt!! Proof that anything can happen if believe and never stop trying!!

[@Apex-1962]

The year after their Super Bowl win, they came to Charlotte to play. I told everyone, I had to see these guys. There is something special about them. I was still hoping my Panthers would win, but of course they beat the tar out of us. However, I have never regretted going to that game. Kurt Warner: awesome player, even better man.

[@bradleymiller7375]

Wow this 3rd one ive witnessed and truly beautiful! U nailed another! Now ill watch the Super Bowl and later i watch another great interview! I love Kurt, i was here in Arizona, rooting for the the man! A great person! Again a Great interview/video! Thanks U both!

[@Rickmaki]

Just think, if Trent Green didn't tear up his knee, Kurt Warner might have never played.. He was so good.. Fast offense, got rid of the ball quick, HOF !!!

[@mikeb6300]

Very interesting and informative interview I’ve seen in a long time. God bless you Kurt Warner 🙏🏻

[@redhead2117]

I read his book and have so much respect for him and his “ never give up” attitude.

[@georgetoussaint185]

In all three Super Bowls when he left the field for the last time in each game his team was winning!

[@JhutaNabi]

Kurt Warner’s path to the NFL can be summed up by: “The mind of a person plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

[@ramman5784]

I'm willing to bet it's his eyesight. He just seemed to see everything on the field. Much like Larry Bird

[@paulcarlson4230]

Kurt was that good ....great interview joe and kurt is a good man first

[@DavidSilva-fq7nt]

As a Rams fan Thank God for Kurt Warner. As a human being Thank God he's on this earth

[@justintindall9515]

Buck, You really give a great interview....I'm a layman but really appreciate your insights

[@gregbellinger5765]

Joe Buck does his homework and demonstrates how to run an interview. Most interviewers try to entertain and fly by the seat of their pants with no depth. Mr. Buck could shows how to to work with the person being interviewed. Thanks. GB

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

An outstanding individual

[@gregbellinger5765]

Mr. Buck also clearly demonstrates how to professionally dress for an interview. It may not seem like a big deal, but it is.That's appreciated. GB

[@boshardtransport]

Kurt was a true surprise and a superstar !

[@johnnyswag2802]

I watched that game when Kurt got his first shot... the media had been making a story line about him and how he packed groceries, then he got his shot.

[@blrrich1051]

I'm from KC, but Warner will always be my favorite QB. A class act.

[@stevel.251]

Great interview!

[@vinmartin6892]

My favorite player of all time. Love you, Kurt

[@rockyk1950]

A hero 👍👍👍

[@regbale]

Great story. Would have liked to hear more about his faith and how that impacted their path as a couple.

[@MykeFord950]

Great compelling story!!! Waiting for ESPN to produce a biopic mini-series on this!!!

[@JohnRobinson-sl9gk]

Awesome! Great interview with a great man! Well done!