KURT WARNER MVP Q & A
1/09/02 

First, let me thank God for the continued blessings in my life. It's amazing what He has done with an ordinary man in such a short period of time.  He has blessed me with a very unique and special situation, surrounded by unique and special athletes.  I have gained the benefits of being the quarterback for the greatest offense in NFL history, surrounded by some of the greatest athletes to ever play this game.  Also, I am blessed with a coach that has a great offensive mind and a confidence in me that has been unmatched throughout my career.  To me this award is an extension of our whole team - one that I accept on behalf of what all of us have accomplished - not just one or two individuals.

Also, I have been blessed with a family that has supported and cheered me on through the tough times and the good times.  They are my life and make me want to be the best at everything I do.  They bring out the best in me as a father, husband, and football player.
 

What does it say about the strength of the Rams that you have won two of the last three MVPs and Marshall won the other?

I think the MVP's we have won the past three years have been awards that reflect the accomplishments of our whole team.  We see these awards as team awards, for we know that we benefit from all the great talent surrounding us.  We could not have had the success we have had without the tremendous efforts of our teammates.  I really think that this year's award should have been split between Marshall (if not given to him) and myself.  That's just my opinion.
 

You join the likes of Joe Montana, Steve Young and John Unitas as a two-time MVP.  Such QBs as Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, John Elway and Bart Starr won it just once.  Your reaction?

It is always a tremendous honor to be mentioned with the likes of those great players.  But, it is still very early in my career and my hope is that I can be mentioned in the same sentence as these guys (and Marshall Faulk) when my career is finished.
 

How has this season been different from the 1999 MVP year?  How much more can you do with the offense now?  How much more comfortable are you in this offense?

This season has been more rewarding than 1999.  I think it is because we were the favorites coming in and the toughness of our schedule.  To be able to accomplish what we have this season, on both sides of the ball, has been truly rewarding.  But all of it means nothing if we don't continue through the playoffs and into the Super Bowl.  With this team, there is only one goal every year and we are disappointed if we don't reach it.

I am much more comfortable in the offense this year, as I think are all the players.  We are truly in a special place and special time that may never be equaled again.  I am truly blessed to have been placed in the middle of such a tremendous situation.
 

Have you enjoyed the celebrity you have gotten, particularly because your story is so uplifting?

I have enjoyed the opportunities that the Lord has given me to reach and effect so many lives.  I have realized that because of what I do, people want to be more like me.  So, I try to spend every day of my life becoming more like Jesus.  I have always prayed that the Lord would place me in a position to reach many people for Him and I have tried to seize every opportunity.  The greatest benefit of all I have been given is that I can share the love of Jesus and His influence in my life with so many people.
 

How much does a second MVP mean, perhaps even more than the first, because of the injuries and problems you and the Rams went through in 2000, and also because it is a certification of your talent on an even higher level to win it twice?

I'm not sure what difference there is between the two awards.  All I can keep saying is that the Lord has placed me in a unique and special  place.  I am just fortunate to be here, for I always say that anyone could do what I do if they had the supporting cast that I have.  Thank God it was me that He placed here!
 

Is this a better Rams offense than in 1999 and 2000 and is it a better overall team and why?

I think this offense is better because we all have such a better understanding of what we are doing and how we all compliment each other. Everyone accepts their role and is willing to do whatever they can to make this team better and help us win. I also think this team is better than 1999 because we are playing so well on both offense and defense.  We are a more complete team from top to bottom, but the only way that will hold true is if we end up winning the Super Bowl.  That, to me, is when the comparisons can come.
 

Finally, what are the Rams capable of, not just this postseason, but in the future, considering how difficult it is to keep a winning team together in the free agency era? 

I think that we are definitely capable of winning the Super Bowl this season.  We are playing our best football heading into the playoffs and our confidence is high.  But we must continue to play at a high level in all phases and not go out and beat ourselves with mistakes. As for the future, I think we are in a unique situation to keep the heart of this team around for a while.  The ability of our front office to work the salary cap, I think has put us in a position to keep this team together for a while.  The bottom line is to keep the core players and leaders and continue to find young players to surround them.  We have been very successful up to this point and I really hope we can continue it for years to come.