Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner announced his retirement yesterday. Warner was a true rags to riches story. While trying to keep his football dream alive playing in the Arena Football League, Warner bagged groceries in Iowa. He made it to NFL Europe and then the NFL winning two regular season and one Super Bowl MVP.
He was a class guy on and off the field. The Saints had so much respect for them that they held him up instead of drilling him into the ground after he threw a pass. Granted, he was clocked hard but cleanly while trying to tackle a Saints defender who intercepted his pass. But, it is hard to find some who would say a bad word about him.
As for his football qualifications, Warner had five great years with the Rams and Cardinals. His stint with the Giants in between wasn't his best. Warner showed Eli Manning the ropes and helped him become a Super Bowl Champion. Warner then took over for Matt Leinart and came close last year. Knowing that Wayne Chrebet and others still suffer from headaches years after retiring, I don't blame Warner for retiring.
Contrast Warner’s story with Washington Wizards gun-toting guard Gilbert Arenas. Arenas was suspended earlier this week for a year by NBA Commissioner David Stern.
The Tank’s Bottom Line: Human beings aren’t perfect and make mistakes. However, I expect a level of decency from people. I am glad I don’t live in Washington DC anymore and would be in danger with Arenas at the Verizon Center. It’s sad to see Warner go and hope that Arenas is banned forever from the NBA.
Posted by The Tank. This article is dedicated to Vicky who is an Arizona Cardinals fan.