With two entire weeks to talk about one football game, major sports outlets brought up an interesting question: should Kurt Warner be in the Hall of Fame?
The question got me thinking about Warner’s past. Sure, he has the fairy-tale story of a mediocre man rising from obscurity. From stocking shelves at Hy-Vee to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy is not your every day tale.
Warner’s credentials are undeniable. A two-time league MVP, a Super Bowl MVP and the all-important Super Bowl ring should make a good enough case to enshrinement.
But, how much stock can one put in Warner. He’s had talent in their prime surround him through the majority of his career: Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Tory Holt, Orlando Pace, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin.
Warner’s even had a cozy dome to call home-field for 10 of his 11 seasons in St. Louis and Arizona. In 2004, Warner signed with the New York Giants. In 10 starts, Warner threw six touchdowns to eight turnovers. That stat tells me that without weapons named Faulk or Fitzgerald, Warner might have been your average quarterback. Tiki Barber was a solid option coming out of the backfield, but Ike Hilliard wasn’t exactly a dominate receiver.
This debate holds an interesting question. How much credit does a quarterback deserve when great players surround him? Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana — all had the talent to work with at skill positions.
I think Warner will receive enough votes to earn a spot in Canton. Hopefully, he doesn’t forget to thank a few people.