One of the most accurate passers and greatest success stories will forever be immortalized in Canton.
On Saturday, the NFL announced the Class of 2017 for inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kenny Easley and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones were the senior committee inductees. Kicker Morten Andersen, running backs Terrell Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson, defensive end Jason Taylor were four of the five modern-era candidates to emerge from a nearly nine-hour meeting.
The fifth?
Former Rams and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner.
In his third year of eligibility, Warner faced stiff competition from a loaded class of athletes, which included former teammate Isaac Bruce, who did not get inducted.
When it was announced he had reached the pinnacle of immortality, Warner did not mince words, and made it perfectly clear who at the time was on his mind… and in his heart.
“I will always have a special place in my heart for St. Louis,” Warner said. “I understand they’re in LA now, but my history goes to St. Louis. To the people there. The way they supported me. The great character and values of the people there in St. Louis really impacted me greatly when I was there.”
“One of the things I always said I loved so much about the sport is that a football team can bring together an entire community,” he continued.
“But to be a part of the St. Louis community and to see how they supported us and followed us in everything that we did on and off the field. I’m very disappointed that they don’t have a team.
“But they can rest assured, as I go into the Hall of Fame, that I will carry the St. Louis community and fans with me, because they have meant so much to me, my family and my career.”
The Greatest Show on Turf is being more represented in Canton, as Warner is the fourth member of the team(s) to be inducted, following Marshall Faulk, Orlando Pace, and Aeneas Williams.
Warner played in 124 total games, where his teams had a record of 67-49. He threw for 32,344 yards, 208 touchdowns and 128 interceptions. His completion percentage of 65.5% is fourth all-time, and his rating of 93.7 is seventh-highest all-time. In 13 career playoff games, Warner ranks first all-time in completion percentage (66.5%), first in yards per attempt (8.55), and second in passer rating (102.8).
A two-time MVP, Warner was most famous leading The Greatest Show on Turf from 1999-2001, and having a successful stint with the Arizona Cardinals towards the end of his career. He officially retired in 2010.
