CHARACTER DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We often hear people talk about the importance of good character. There is even an organization called Character Counts! that promotes six pillars of good character. Those six pillars are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. While we often hear about good character, we may not often see it displayed, especially in professional athletics. When someone is highly successful in athletics, and displays great character while enjoying that success, that is something for everyone associated with athletics to be proud of! Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams is such a person. From his high school days at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids to his current career with the St. Louis Rams, he has proven many times, Character Does Make a Difference!

Dick Vermeil, Head Coach of the St. Louis Rams said, "This kid (Kurt Warner) . . . you talk about coming from nowhere and sticking with it and staying with it. He had nothing going for him except good character." How can it be that the only thing Kurt had going for him was good character? Surely the guy is loaded with talent! Or could it be his talent developed because he had great character and an attitude that would not allow him to quit? When you look at Kurt Warner's journey to become an NFL and Super Bowl MVP, he had many chances to quit, but didn't. He didn't quit because he has great character.

Kurt Warner's "Road to the NFL"

Didn't start as high school quarterback until his junior year.

Was a reserve in college until he was a 5th year senior.

Cut by the Green Bay Packers after training camp in 1994.

Stocked shelves at Hy-Vee until signed by the Iowa Barnstormers in 1995.

Began NFL career as Ram's 3rd string quarterback in 1998.

"Don't let anybody ever tell you, you can't reach your dream. As long as you keep that dream inside you there's nothing that you can't accomplish." Kurt Warner made that statement after the St. Louis Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV. Being a person of good character doesn't mean you will be successful at everything you do. It does mean you work hard to accomplish your goals and dreams, and you don't give up when success doesn't come easily. The Iowa High School Athletic Association believes, wholeheartedly, that Kurt Warner is a champion not because of the Super Bowl ring he wears, but because of the good character he has always displayed!