Faith and Inches: An Interview With Kurt Warner

I sat down with Kurt on a warm day in the middle of May at the Cardinals' training facility in Tempe, Ariz.  He was just finishing up the first day of OTAs and looked exhausted.  We took a seat in front of his locker, littered with playbooks, dirty clothes, and of course, the Bible.

As soon as I shook his hand, his demeanor quickly changed from tired to welcoming.  I could tell that Warner was not like many of his NFL peers. He treated me with a certain dignity and respect that I had not come to be accustomed to during my stay as a CBS correspondent.

After a few minutes I soon found myself chumming it up with the Iowan bagboy himself—talking everything from favorite movies to differing views on theology.  Warner would be the first to admit—when all is said and done he does not want to be remembered as a football player.

At first I thought this was ludicrous proposition, but after a bit of conversation and a bit of realization on my own part, I came to understand that Warner’s accomplishments off the field will one day surpass his already paramount NFL career.

Kurt, how’s it going?  First off, I just want to say congratulations on making it to the Super Bowl last year.

How has making it to the Super Bowl nine years after what many people considered was your “prime” changed your perspective on football?

And for your team, the Cardinals, how has it changed their perspective as far as the regular season and ultimate goals go?

Coach Whisenhunt and his staff seemed to have revitalized this once hopeless franchise.  Do you see the Cardinals moving more towards the Pittsburgh type of offense where grinding it out on the ground—controlling the clock is the most important facet, or do you think they will stay with the high powered air game that brought you guys so much success last year?

I know you’re probably sick of this question by now – but do you see the Cardinals restructuring Q’s contract by the beginning of the season?

Do you think the Cardinal’s front office has turned over a new leaf?  Or will their infamously stringent business methods continue, making last year’s playoff run a “fluke” in many ways?

Alright – I’m sure you’re sick of always talking about football.  I’m going to try and switch this up a little bit, make it a bit more interesting than your run of the mill sports interview.  Level with me, who do you think would win in a fight: a samurai or a ninja?

Haha – OK, nice.  Favorite movie?

Wow, wasn’t expecting that.  Interesting movie choice.  I didn’t anticipate you picking such a controversial movie considering your religious views.  Speaking of which, in a lot of ways you’re one of the few professional athletes that don’t seem to mind expressing their religious views to a national audience … do you ever think twice?  Or is it second nature to you?

I’ve read that you and your wife Brenda are considered “Charismatic Christians." Elaborate on that a little for me.  How does this form of Christianity differ from more of the main stream sects like Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, etc?

I see.  And does this sect lead you into different philanthropic endeavors other mainstream religions wouldn’t?

I’ve also read that you received the Walter Payton “Man of the Year” Award for 2008.  Tell me how you earned this award, and also, what this award means to you?

Wow, Kurt.  I’d just like to close by saying you are a true role model for not only fans of the NFL – but fellow peers in the NFL.  A lot of times we as a society focus on the negative quarter backs that come out of the NFL, it’s refreshing to meet someone as compassionate as you.  It’s been a pleasure.  Any closing comments?

Thanks, Kurt.