Arizona Cardinal Kurt Warner

Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner burst on the NFL scene in 1998 as a nobody from nowhere. He had kicked around the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before joining the Rams. In 1999, as a back-up quarterback for the Rams, he was called in to play a pre-season game when quarterback Trent Green received what turned out to be a season-ending knee injury. Warner went on to throw 41 touchdown passes and turned a 4-12 team into a 13-3 powerhouse that won Super Bowl XXXIV. Was it a co-incidence that my chiropractic professors were treating the entire St. Louis Rams team at the time? Don't underestimate the power of chiropractic.

He did all he could do to win the game. His 377 yards of passing was the third highest total in Super Bowl history. This time he was within 40 seconds of repeating that feat and probably again receiving an MVP award...but it was not meant to be.

However Warner did receive another award: The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award is given annually by the NFL honoring one's volunteer and charity work. For years Warner has been involved in charity work and helping people less fortunate than he.

Warner also got another award. This one was from his daughter who left him a hand-written note in his playbook. In it she stated... I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. I am so thankful to be your daughter. I love you so much. These are the rewards that you never forget.
Warner has been a terrific spiritual example as well. He is a born-again Christian whose faith is a vital part of his life. When he joined the Arizona team, Warner chose to wear jersey number 13. By choosing number 13 he wants to send a message to the world that God is more powerful than any superstition.

Warner says that these other awards remind him that, although I was in the midst of the worlds biggest football game, it is the big picture that is really important.

What a lesson for all of us: to not get so focused on the trees that we neglect to see the forest. While playing in our game of life it is imperative that we keep focused on what is really important, helping others, family, character and most importantly, pleasing God.