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Rams' Warner voted league MVP
Posted: Thursday January 06, 2000 08:50 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Kurt Warner's sensational rise from obscure quarterback to passing wizard was capped Wednesday when he was voted the NFL's Most Valuable Player by The Associated Press. Warner, the only player other than Dan Marino to throw for 40 touchdowns in a season, was the guiding force as the St. Louis Rams moved from also-ran to the NFC's best record. The former Arena League and NFL Europe player was an overwhelming choice in balloting by a national panel of 50 media members. "I thought we could be successful," Warner said, "but to think in training camp that it would happen for me this way was farfetched. They were not sure what they would do going in. They had some questions if I was an NFL backup." When Trent Green, signed to a huge free agent contract during the offseason, wrecked a knee during the first preseason game, Warner no longer was a questionable backup. He was the full-time quarterback, a decision Rams coach Dick Vermeil made immediately after Green's injury.
"Dick was very instrumental in this," said Warner, who completed 325 of 499 passes (65.1 percent) for 4,353 yards, 41 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions. His 109.2 rating easily led the league. "He had that much confidence in me and he showed it when he said I'd be the guy and he was going with me," Warner said. "That was a big confidence-booster."
So was having an offense that included Marshall Faulk, only the second player to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving in a season; wideouts Isaac Bruce, Az-zahir Hakim and Torry Holt; and a steady line. "It never hurts when you have the guys we have," Warner, 28, said. "Marshall is a special back and does so many things well. I have as good a wide receiver corps as anyone in the NFL. It's great to be in my position and have all those weapons at your disposal." Warner also had offensive coordinator Mike Martz on his side, and Martz never backed off an aggressive approach when St. Louis (13-3) had the ball. "I had a lot of freedom in the offense and it was similar to what I have done in the past in Europe and the Arena League," said Warner, who spent three years with Iowa of Arena Football, then was with Amsterdam in NFL Europe in 1998, leading the league in passing before catching on with the Rams. "Mike allowed me the freedom to go out and always play aggressive football, and that plays into my strength." Warner's experience in the other leagues made it easier for him to succeed in the NFL. He believes his success will make it easier for others to follow that path. "I think the biggest thing for a quarterback is you never learn how to react and what to do by sitting on the sideline or watching film," he said. "You learn to play by being out there. You learn how to react and get the mindset for the quickness of the game. "I played so many games over the past few years, more than most guys. Three seasons in Arena Football, then right to NFL Europe. That process got me to play in a lot of games and see all kinds of situations." Warner received 33 votes and was followed in the balloting by Faulk and Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, each with eight, and Colts running back Edgerrin James with one. Last year's winner was Terrell Davis of Denver. The only other Rams player to win the award was quarterback Roman Gabriel in 1969. Warner said this season has been equally rewarding off the field. His work with the physically challenged -- he has an adopted son, Zachary, 10, who is blind -- and his other charitable endeavors have made Warner a star away from the NFL, too. "He means the world to me," Warner said of Zachary. "He's just a true blessing in every sense of the word. "All things considered, this year has been a true blessing."
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