ESPN’s Schlereth, Jaworski back Warner for Hall of Fame
Jan 28, 2017, 3:05 PM | Updated: 3:40 pm
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) prepares to throw the ball during an NFL football divisional playoff game in New Orleans against the New Orleans Saints, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Count ESPN NFL analysts and former players Ron Jaworski and Mark Schlereth among the people who think former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is a lock for the Hall of Fame.
Appearing on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Bickley and Marotta, Schlereth made clear where he stood on Warner, who is trying for a third time to make it to Canton.
“For me it’s a no-brainer, but I’m not that bright I guess,” Schlereth said. “Obviously he was a phenomenal player, but look at what he did come playoff time. You look at the biggest passing Super Bowl and playoff days, his name is all over.”
Warner’s playoff record supports his candidacy. He ranks seventh all-time in playoff passing yards. He’s the only player to have five-plus TD passes in multiple playoff games. He also has the third-highest completion percentage in a single postseason outing.
“I see that dude, he’s a hall-of-famer,” Schlereth said. “The eye test tells me he’s a hall-of-famer. I don’t know how long he’s been eligible but he should’ve been in from the start.”
Jaworski, a former quarterback for the Rams and Eagles, had a similarly simple answer when discussing Warner on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns & Gambo.
“Kurt Warner is a hall-of-famer case closed,” Jaworski said. “I could form my own opinion but that’s how I feel. I love Kurt Warner and he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Schlereth also said that he disagrees with voters thinking of a players’ political or moral behavior. saying “if they were [one of the best of their time] they deserve to go in the hall of fame.”
Warner, who played with the Cardinals from 2005 to 2009, has continued to work in Arizona since retiring from pro football. He’s coached at Desert Mountain High School and has been linked to a potential consulting role at Arizona State.
Warner is one of 15 finalists for the Hall of Fame this year. The vote and the 2017 inductees will be announced on Feb. 4. the day before Super Bowl LI.
