photo source - rootzoo.com
Last night my husband and I were watching a television program about Kurt Warner and his incredible life story. I am not much of a football fan but I do love to hear true life “Cinderella” stories. Kurt Warner recently announced his retirement from the NFL after playing 12 seasons in professional football, playing in three Superbowl Championships and wining one. What makes Kurt Warner’s story so fascinating and amazing is his journey on how he got to the NFL.
As a young kid Kurt Warner dreamed of playing the Superbowl someday. His “someday” would come at the age of 28 years old after he had played a few seasons of Arena Football and one season in the NFL-Europe league. Prior to Arena football Kurt Warner stocked grocery shelves for $5.50/hr making a living knowing his Superbowl dream was becoming less and less possible with each passing year. Although he had been invited to play Arena football, he chose not to because his goal was the NFL and the arena league was beneath him. During his time working at the grocery store he finally decided to play in the Arena football league, a far cry from the NFL. It is actually where he honed in on his skills and became the most crucial stepping stone to his dream of playing professional football. He eventually did make it to the NFL and became the sixth best all-time NFL passers.
What makes Kurt Warner’s story remarkable is his determination not to give up. After Arena Football he humbled himself to play on a European semi-pro team and had only one NFL professional team offer him the opportunity to try out. After a bad performance he was convinced he wouldn’t get a call back and had come to the conclusion that his road to the NFL was over.
The next week he received a call from the St. Louis Rams to join their team and from there he became a 2 time NFL MVP and Superbowl MVP.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a movie about his life someday. His story is inspiring because of his journey to get the the NFL. He faced and overcame tremendous odds and obstacles to follow his boyhood dream to play in the Superbowl.
I share this story with you because Kurt Warner’s life journey and purpose didn’t start until much later than most NFL players. He never gave up, and it was his perseverance that rewarded him.
Just hearing his life story gives me hope for myself – that I might realize my dreams despite it seeming so late in the game. May his story also encourage you!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Well, if your dream includes inspiring lots of people to provide delicious food for their families, I’d say you’ve already realized a fair chunk of it!