Underdogs

Many of us, including me are perennial rooters for the underdog. At one time I think it was the rule in our society. But as time goes on, the gap between underdog rooters and front runners seems to have narrowed.

The whole underdog thing goes back to the beginning I guess. There's David and Goliath, pretty much the original. For us Americans, pulling for the underdog is part of who we are are a nation. That feeling can be traced back to the Revolutionary War. Groups of out manned, out gunned militia, eventually defeating the English Empire and becoming a nation. There are countless other examples from Hollywood to sports, to the more important and inspiring stories you know in your family or hometown.

These thoughts came to me Friday afternoon when I stumbled across the press conference where NFL quarterback Kurt Warner announced his retirement from the league after 12, what can only be called magical seasons. In this day of athletes and celebrities doing all sorts of awful things, and making horrible mis-steps, thank goodness there was Kurt Warner for us to really cheer for. And I don't mean as part of the game, I mean to cheer for in life. I'm not going to give you stats and numbers. They speak for themselves, because Warner was so much more than that.

Here's a guy that was told time and time again he wasn't something enough. Finally getting his chance as a senior at Northern Iowa University (who?). Then on to the Arena League, and eventually on to the silly NFL Europe thing. Then after all that, stocking shelves at mid-west grocery store, Hy-Vee (where there's a helpful smile...in every isle.) That's their jingle. Finally getting a call from the St. Louis Rams of the NFL, as their 3rd string QB. That ear he was thrust into the starting role as the injuries mounted. After decades of futility, the Rams won the Superbowl and he the MVP. Then another Superbowl trip another MVP and a Superbowl MVP. A few years later he raised up the Arizona Cardinals franchise (from Phoenix...ironically) and took them to the Superbowl after over 60 years of no success at all. A Superbowl that they should have won. The success in Arizona came after being run out of a city that has virtually no use for underdogs ever - New York City. - Front runners!

OK enough background. Beyond all that, and more importantly, Warner did it the right way. He rose to the top of his profession all the while being told that he wasn't this enough or that enough, or too old or his time was over. Kurt Warner is the quintessential underdog. He even wore number 13 his entire career. And he did it with class, style and made you feel good that there still are guys in this world that kids can look up to that are good for them do to so. It was all never about him it was about the team. (What a concept) He single handedly brought two NFL franchises back from the dead at break neck speed. The Rams have never been the same since he left 7 years ago, the jury is now out on the Cardinals who now have to attempt prosperity without him.

There's an aura of serendipity around Warner that all of us can envy. He is a shining example in life that good things really do happen to good people. And those who have felt that the role of underdog is too much to climb out from under, Warner's story helps put that to rest.

I'm going to miss Kurt Warner from the NFL. But at 38, time caught up with him, and it's time. It's a big loss for the NFL, and all professional sports, that needs all the good guys it can get. Because they seen to be in short supply these days.

Oh by the way, Kurt Warner is going to underdog his way to Canton in a few years to the Hall Of Fame.