2024-05-08

Do you believe in second chances? If you talk with former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, you will believe in the impossible. A two-time MVP, the father of seven holds the second most career passing yards in Super Bowl history with 1,156 and is considered to be the best undrafted player in league history. His story didn’t have a rosy start. Originally inked by the Packers in 1994, Warner was competing for a roster spot with Brett Favre, and was released before Opening Day. Without a team, Warner stocked the shelves and bagged groceries at a Midwest supermarket chain in Cedar Falls making under six-dollars an hour.

With no leads, the signal-caller joined the Arena Football League (1995-1998) with the Iowa Barnstormers and overseas with the Amsterdam Admirals. A year later, he wore a St. Louis Rams jersey taking them to Super Bowl XXXIV. He later joined the New York Giants and led the Arizona Cardinals to their first Super Bowl berth. Warner also worked off the field serving the community by promoting Christian values and programs. He started the First Things First charity to help single mothers obtain homeownership, sponsor trips for sick children to Disney World as well as holding annual coat drives.

After completing his 12-year career in 2009, Warner joined "Dancing with the Stars" and will host a new reality series on the USA Network “The Moment,” which premieres on April 11th.

Why would Warner desire to become a television host? Warner, 41, was pitched the idea a couple years ago—the show was as natural to him as his testimony of “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

“It was really an easy sell for me. If you know my career, it really took a second chance for me and someone kind of stepping out and giving me a second opportunity for me to experience the success that I had.” said Warner.

“The Moment” will follow nine people for a second chance to follow their dreams. There will be a two-week boot camp from mentors to prepare them for their dream career interview or audition. Friends or family nominate the participants based on their personal story and the reason why they need a second opportunity to achieve their dream. The cast range in age, backgrounds and careers.

“I knew what it meant for me and to have an opportunity to do it for the individuals on the show, but hopefully to also use my story to inspire the millions at home watching to truly chase their dream and that it’s not too late.

Warner worked on the NFL Network as a commentator. Playing a television host, was charting new territory, although he’s not one to back away from a challenge.

“Yeah, there was definite reluctance in regards to just being the host of a television show. Having not been in that world, not really knowing anything about it--having to get on the other side of the camera [and] be the person that drives the show. Yeah, there was apprehension from that standpoint. Still till this day, I just hope that I don’t hold this show back because I think the premise of the show is incredible. It was hard for me because I played football for the last 30 years; it was something I knew I was good at. When you jump into this world you kind of feel uncomfortable the whole time. It’s a continual learning process.”

What’s even more important to Warner, than the show, is focusing on Jesus Christ.

“I try to stay conscious of God’s role in where He has me and why I’m doing what I’m doing on a daily basis. I think it would have been very easy to go ‘Man, here’s a great opportunity to get on television and host a television show. This would be great for my career and brand and blah, blah, blah.’ But for me [it is] always going into those things and going ‘Ok, how can God use this? Is this something God can use to better represent who He is? How can He use me to do that?’ Those are the kind of perspectives that I have whenever I get involved in any of these endeavors that I get involved in--even in the busyness of everyday.”

Do you believe in second chances to live your dreams? Warner does, and maybe you will too by taking that next step.

Mathew 6:33 is an encouraging Bible verse, one of Warner’s favorites.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto.”

Check out Kurt’s new show on the USA Network.

more from beliefnet and our partners