Join Dr. James Dobson for an inspiring conversation with Kurt and Brenda Warner, a couple whose journey from food stamps to NFL success is filled with faith and resilience. Kurt, once a grocery store stocker, rose to NFL stardom and became a Super Bowl MVP, a story marked by deep personal and familial triumphs. Brenda, who led Kurt to his faith, shares their experiences of facing life’s difficult moments with hope and trust in God, highlighting their commitment to raising a son with disabilities and founding organizations to help others.
Welcome everyone to Family Talk. It’s a ministry of the James Dobson Family Institute supported by listeners just like you. I’m Dr. James Dobson and I’m thrilled that you’ve joined us.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, welcome to Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. I’m Roger Marsh, and today, as we prepare for the big game coming up this weekend, we’re going to feature a classic conversation featuring Dr. James Dobson and one of football’s most inspiring couples, Kurt and Brenda Warner. Now, you probably know Kurt Warner. He was the Super Bowl MVP. Back in 2000, he led the then St. Louis Rams to victory. Of course, the Rams have moved back to Los Angeles since then, but his journey to the championship was anything but typical. From stocking shelves at a grocery store to playing arena football, Kurt’s path to NFL stardom became one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. But the Warner story goes far deeper than football success. They’ve walked through family tragedy. They’ve raised a son with disabilities. And through sudden fame and all its pressures, they stayed anchored in their faith, using their platform to serve others through their First Things First Foundation. Kurt and Brenda also founded Treasure House in Arizona, a residence helping young adults with developmental disabilities live independently. On today’s edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, you’ll hear how Brenda led Kurt to Jesus Christ, how they found purpose in their pain, and why they believe God has something bigger planned for their lives. So here now is Dr. James Dobson with his guests, Kurt and Brenda Warner, on today’s edition of Family Talk.
SPEAKER 05 :
Kurt, what were you thinking during that magical year when everything you did seemed to go right?
SPEAKER 06 :
I don’t know how much thinking I was doing. I think I was doing more reacting. It was unbelievable. It was something that, of course, I dreamed about since I was very, very young. But to actually see it come about and come about the way that it did was amazing. Did it scare you? No, it didn’t scare me. I mean, I tried to enjoy it, but it was hard to really grasp what was happening. You know, I remember a time when Brenda and I actually we won the game to go to the Super Bowl. And I was the first time I remember really sitting back and we were in bed one night and we looked at each other and we said, we’re going to the Super Bowl. I mean, this is actually happening. You know, it was like everything happened so fast in the media and it was so crazy that it was difficult to really take it all in. But I remember sitting in our bed and we just kind of looked back over the year and just said, wow.
SPEAKER 05 :
Brenda, were you shocked by that year? Were you shocked by the success that Kurt had?
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, he always told me that he was good enough to do it. And then when everything started falling into place, we just had so much peace about it. And that’s where you know it’s God because we just had peace in that whirlwind and everybody wanting a piece of you and all these offers coming in. And, you know, it was an amazing year, but we just had an amazing peace and just, you know, held on to each other. you know, and our kids and realize that this is, we’re going for a ride. I remember pulling up to the Super Bowl and I was in a limo with my pastors and my sister and the friend that got me saved when I was 12. And I remember looking out the window and saying, my life’s forever changed from this day on. And I didn’t know that we were going to win or lose. I wasn’t saying… that I was forecasting that, but I knew it was going to be forever changed, and God had a big plan. I always had a great testimony, and I’d think, how am I ever going to share it? Nobody ever asked me to share it, and now I have to tell people I don’t have time to share it. So it’s amazing. It is amazing.
SPEAKER 05 :
Let me ask the question that everybody asks you. I’m sure everywhere you go, every interview, and you all have done a million of them, sooner or later people will ask you if you are or have been a football fan. And the answer is?
SPEAKER 01 :
Absolutely not. I don’t like sports. Usually they ask me why I wear my hair like this, so I’m glad that you went with that question. But once they get over what I look like, then they’ll ask me that. And I don’t enjoy sports. I don’t understand how grown people can get so excited about putting a ball. I don’t understand.
SPEAKER 04 :
We’re still working on it every day. A lot of work. So why did you marry one of the great sports heroes of all times? Of course, you didn’t.
SPEAKER 01 :
He wasn’t a hero then.
SPEAKER 04 :
I was just really good looking then.
SPEAKER 01 :
Oh, my word. It’s radio, so you can say that.
SPEAKER 05 :
I hope you can see that. And humble, too. That’s an amazing thing.
SPEAKER 01 :
Yes, very humble. Very humble. When we met, I told him that I was divorced with two kids. And a few weeks later, he told me he played football. And, you know, what does that mean? You know, a lot of people play football in college and then never go on. And then when he said he was going to play in the NFL, and then… And, you know, nothing happened. And the way the story went, I kept thinking, you know, as long as we’re making ends meet, I’ll stick with, you know, saying all right.
SPEAKER 05 :
You were on food stamps at that time.
SPEAKER 01 :
I was on food stamps. Single mother. Single mom raising two kids. And he decides to do this arena football thing. And I had no clue what it was. And he moves two hours away. And I’m thinking, you know, God, are you sure that this is the one for me? And, you know, I just felt like he was. He was. He was. And he was going to be worth it. And it’s paid off. Yeah.
SPEAKER 05 :
Brenda, how did your faith get you through that era? Because that was a hard time for you.
SPEAKER 01 :
That was a hard time. I’ve been through a lot of hard times. And, you know, this great man wrote a book about when God doesn’t make sense. And that book helped me a lot because a lot in my life, it didn’t make sense. It wasn’t the story that I thought my life would be going along as. And, you know, I just I had that foundation as a young child. And I knew the word. I knew the power and the word of God. And, you know, you either go through the bumpy road with him or without him. And I kept choosing to stay by his side. And even though I didn’t understand the road I was going down, you know, it was still better than going down it without him. And it has been a bumpy ride. It really has. And now to be able to share it with people, it seems to make more sense.
SPEAKER 05 :
You had two children at that time, and one of them was disabled, Zachary, who is legally blind. How did he become blind?
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, when I was married before Kurt and when Zachary was four months old, my ex-husband accidentally dropped him and caused brain damage. Fell in the tub. And I’ll hear through the years now, I’ve heard, you know, I dropped my baby. I’m so thankful nothing happened. I mean, accidents like that happen. And so on one hand, I’m dealing with this child in this crib that the hospital people said he’s not going to make it. And on the other hand, I’m dealing with a man that accidentally did this. and I’m trying to be his helper, his mate, and help him along, and then help this child, and believe for miracle, believe for healing. It was a tough time, and Zachary turns 14 this month, and we have disabilities. He’s legally blind, like you said, and brain damaged, but he’s all about God, and he knows God’s love, and he shows us God’s love in every day of his life. So I don’t understand it, and maybe that’s something I’ll ask God when I get up there.
SPEAKER 05 :
He’s a freshman in high school, and he’s reading on about a third-grade level, as I understand it.
SPEAKER 01 :
And he has to hold things about an inch away from his eye, and they’re all enlarged and, you know, that type of stuff. But last night we had a birthday party, and, you know, his smile was ear to ear, and he was just thrilled that people were singing a song to him.
SPEAKER 06 :
And the joy of the simple things is what he shows Kurt and I. And they said that he may not live and that he would be lucky to ever sit up, you know, no chance really of him ever walking. And so… You can look at it both ways. We constantly say and believe for healing and know that God can heal him completely, but he’s being healed every day in small ways, and we get to see the growth and the amazing things that he accomplishes every day is amazing to us. So you kind of have to keep it in perspective on what they told us and where he’s at now, and he’s a walking miracle.
SPEAKER 05 :
Kurt, Brenda said a minute ago that she wasn’t going to be a model, although she’s a very beautiful woman. Exactly. But why did you? Why is she not going to be a model? Let’s not go into that.
SPEAKER 01 :
Allow me to paraphrase.
SPEAKER 05 :
Why did you, as a single man with options, obviously, marry a woman with two children, one of them legally blind, and take on that responsibility?
SPEAKER 06 :
Well, you know, the first thing was obviously I was drawn and attracted to her. And so we met and we talked, and there was just something a little bit different about her. You know, I was a college guy. She was a little bit older, a little bit more mature. That’s a good thing. That’s a good thing. You know, there was just something different about her, not like all the other college women that were out there. And so we got to know each other and met. And I actually was introduced to her kids at a very early stage in our relationship.
SPEAKER 01 :
The next day after we met, he shows up to meet the kids. So I would say that’s early.
SPEAKER 05 :
And that impressed you, didn’t it?
SPEAKER 01 :
It scared me. I mean, on one hand, I’m feeding a baby, and I’m in my bathrobe from the morning, and he shows up at my door with the rose and says, can I meet the kids? And I’m thinking… this isn’t how you date someone. I mean, he learned my name last night. So it wasn’t the way it was supposed to go.
SPEAKER 05 :
And he did not tell you he played football either.
SPEAKER 01 :
No, not at that point. I didn’t know anything about him at all. And so he met the kids the next day and fell in love with them first before he fell in love with me.
SPEAKER 05 :
Now, Kurt, you were no saint in those days. Hey, don’t do that.
SPEAKER 04 :
I get around. I get around.
SPEAKER 05 :
Brenda, yeah. You used tough language as a football player. And you had been in and around the church, but really not of it. And it was Brenda who led you to the Lord.
SPEAKER 06 :
Exactly. You know, I was raised… in the church, you know, went to church every Sunday and all those things. But I never really understood it. I never really got it. I always felt like, okay, I know all these things, but I have a responsibility too. I’ve got to make sure I live a good life. I’ve got to make sure I’m nice to people. I’ve got to make sure I go to church or I’m not going to get to heaven. I’m not going to make it. And that was just kind of my thought process basically for about 26 years of my life, that it all depended on me. You know, what did I have to do? How was I going to earn my way to heaven? And… And then when I met her, we had discussions slash arguments often about our faith and where she was in a relationship and where my relationship was with God and how I just wanted to keep it inside. It was between me and him. I didn’t have to worry about anybody else or talk to anybody else about it. I felt I was fine. And she had made some mistakes before as far as dating people that didn’t have the same belief as her, and she was kind of dead set.
SPEAKER 01 :
And marrying people, so I wasn’t going to do it again.
SPEAKER 06 :
She was dead set, but she was going to make sure that before she got married again that the person believed and understood where her relationship was and what was most important. And what a great thing to have your soulmate, your wife, be the one that probably gave you the greatest gift of all besides our Lord Jesus is that she led me to Jesus and to that relationship. And so not only am I indebted to her as a mother, as a wife, for the fact that she led me to my relationship with the Lord and brought me to where I need to be and where I needed to be a long time ago. And it’s an awesome feeling to live with her the rest of my life, but she accounted for that biggest change in my life.
SPEAKER 05 :
You know, Shirley and I were having our devotions the other day and talking about just what a privilege it is to share this with each other. that this is not something one of us believes, but it’s something we both believe. I wish everyone listening to us could say that that’s the case, but it is really a blessing when it occurs, isn’t it? Oh, it’s unbelievable.
SPEAKER 06 :
And to think that you could even go through this where one person is believing something different. And we’ve seen it in people that are very close to us that… have been on actually the same sides of the fence as us. Actually, her sister and brother-in-law, just recently, he got born again, similar to our situation. And so it’s just neat to see how that works together because we’ve seen how it works when you’re on both sides of the fence and you’re trying to make it work together.
SPEAKER 05 :
Going back, millions of people, I was one of them, millions of people were watching that Super Bowl game when they heard you say after the victory, thank you, Jesus. You said that. What was the reaction to that?
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah, I think there were some mixed emotions, but most of the reactions have been extremely positive. Did you get criticized for it? There were some criticism. You know, a lot of people since that point, you know, faith and football don’t mix. You know, football should be football and your faith. You can talk about it somewhere else is probably the biggest argument we get in regards to that. But a lot of people that I think, you know, parents out there. always looking for people to have their kids look up to, you know, in the sports arena, especially because it’s so big and that, uh, there were a lot of parents out there that said, this is finally what we were hoping for is, you know, some athletes that were at the top of their game that would stand up for what’s most important because it is, or has been for a while taboo to, to talk about those things. And It was neat to see how God used it because I’ve had ups and downs all through my life, coming into football and having that first season and being able to do that really set the precedence. But since then, I’ve still had a lot of ups and downs, like we mentioned this last season. But I think that they’ve been able to see in the high times and the low times, even in the last few years, that what we believe in and what we stand for stays the same.
SPEAKER 05 :
You know, it just really is curious and, frankly, somewhat irritating to me That in a world where there are very few decent role models for kids, if you look at the role models in Hollywood, if you look at the role models coming from the rock music industry, if you look at the role models in athletics, in the NBA, where some of the biggest stars have fathered seven kids with four different mothers and things of that nature, to have a person stand up, for what he believes and live by that standard and to be willing to do it publicly and then to be criticized for it. In that kind of world, I don’t understand that. But I want to tell you this, Curt, I appreciate you being a role model and giving parents someone to point to with regard to their kids. Do you all agree?
SPEAKER 06 :
I think you made a key point when you say there’s a lot of people out there that may claim to be Christians, but they don’t walk the walk. And I think that’s where all the skepticism comes from is that it’s easy for somebody to stand up on a podium and say, thank you, God. But then as soon as they turn around and go into the locker room, They’re using a certain kind of language or they’re taking part in certain things or next week they get arrested for something. And that’s where I think it’s been difficult is because people see us and they think, well, I want to believe that this guy is real, but I’ve seen so many people say the same things and then fall. I’ve seen so many people give God the credit for this and then this happens in their life. And I think that’s where the difference has been so far is that people have seen us in a lot of different arenas And, you know, Lord willing, we’ll walk the walk the rest of our lives. But that we’ve stayed consistent to what we believe and what we stand for.
SPEAKER 05 :
It’s a heavy responsibility, isn’t it? Very much so. Because none of us is perfect. And it’s difficult knowing that if you do make a mistake or if you fall or if you sin, the world’s going to know it and you’re going to hurt the cause of Christ. Exactly.
SPEAKER 06 :
A lot of people ask me, how do you do it in this world? Is it more difficult because you’re in the spotlight, in the forum that we have with all the temptations and all the things going on around us? But what I was telling them is that it’s actually become easier for me to follow God since I’ve been put in the spotlight because… I made that statement on the podium at the Super Bowl, and hundreds of millions of people saw it. And since that point, I’ve realized what the responsibility is to uphold that name, that I set a precedence then. And so it’s really held me accountable to what I believe in and what I stated that, hey, I’m going to be a guy that stands up for what he says, for what he believes in, and I’m representing Jesus.
SPEAKER 05 :
Now, you also have a foundation called First Things First.
SPEAKER 01 :
Yes, we do.
SPEAKER 05 :
Describe that.
SPEAKER 01 :
As you know, when Kurt got on the podium, he said, first things first, thank you, Jesus. And so we’ve taken that from Matthew 6, 33, when you seek ye the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all the things shall be added unto you. And that’s Kurt’s life verse. And we started this foundation to just reach out to all different walks of life, all different type of people that we can, we’ve been there, we’ve walked there in their shoes and in our life, and we just want to be able to give back that full circle and just show them that God’s a good God and that he loves them. And We are praying about new ideas, new open doors all the time. And he’s really brought our foundation along. We’ve done some great things from taking kids to Disney, Make-A-Wish kids and their families and spending the whole week with them. We have a sunshine ministry that’s homeless men, and we take them to church with us Friday night. And then Saturday they go do community service, and Sunday they come to a football game that they would never be able to go to. All different types of things, and we’re excited about it.
SPEAKER 05 :
Now, you have not had smooth sailing throughout your life. We talked about your son. We talked about the time when you didn’t have enough food in the circumstances that you were in. But it goes back before that. You lost your… your parents in a very tragic way, didn’t you?
SPEAKER 01 :
I did. It was April 14th, 1996. I got a call at 10 o’clock from my sister and I said, hurry up, mom’s calling. And she said, no, they’re not. They were killed two hours ago in a tornado. And my world was rocked. I mean, the thing with Zachary, with all that I went through with him, I still had him and I could still hold on to him. And all of a sudden my parents are just gone. And And it was awful. I mean, Dad worked hard his whole life to make it good for us. And, you know, we didn’t live on a lot. He worked from paycheck to paycheck. And, you know, it was a good life. But he retired after 30 years at John Deere making tractors and built their dream home so he could fish and Mom could quilt. And all of a sudden a tornado comes and takes seven people in that tornado. And my parents happened to be two of them. And it was very difficult because, you know, the Christians would say, God called them up and, you know, God knows what he’s doing and all these things, or at least they went together. And it was very difficult because I thought, you know, at least I want one parent if I can’t have both. And I just didn’t believe that God killed them. And, you know, I’d read in the word that the devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but God was right there when they were killed. And And I know that I’ll meet him someday, and maybe, again, I’ll ask God, you know, why didn’t you stop that tornado? I would like to know that. And I miss them terribly. I’ve had two kids since, and I have another one on the way. And every good thing, you think of them, you know, because it’s not as good as it could be. And they knew Kurt. They loved Kurt. And it’s difficult. It still is. And so I hope that I can just be real to people and say that I don’t have it all worked out. I can’t tell you all the answers of why things happen and why things happen in my life. But I’ve noticed that I can help people along in their own struggles, that they can feel comfortable saying, you know, I don’t understand, but I love God and God’s a good God. And go with that. You know, maybe ask questions later.
SPEAKER 05 :
Do you understand emotionally? that God more than likely puts you in the situation you’re in right now for His own purposes.
SPEAKER 01 :
Right.
SPEAKER 05 :
To represent Him and to speak for Him and to lead others to Him.
SPEAKER 01 :
Right. It’s bigger than just my grief and my little world. And like I said, when I can stand up in front of people now and say, you know, that I love God and it hasn’t been easy, but He’s a good God and He’s going to work things out for good. And if the good is for me to encourage them to just keep plugging along… and that stay next to God and draw close to Him. I remember opening the Word and just reading about sweet sleep, and I remember praying that I could just have one night of not dreaming about Mom and Dad, because every night that you go to sleep, you dream about them and you think they’re alive, and then you wake up and realize they’re not, and you grieve all over again. And I remember just praying for sweet sleep and getting it, and just the little things like that.
SPEAKER 05 :
I didn’t mean to imply that God’s responsible for the death of your parents. I may have been misunderstood, but I just know that God uses those circumstances, and obviously He is for you all. And I just pray that you will continue to be up to the challenge. That may be even tougher than being quarterback.
SPEAKER 04 :
Do you agree with that?
SPEAKER 05 :
I don’t think there’s any question about it. No question about it. Kurt, when the journey up from obscurity to fame is a short trip, the journey down can be pretty difficult. I’m sure you’re aware of that. I don’t wanna depress you, but that’s… No, it’s all right. Because I’ve been there, man. And it’s tough for being nobody when you ain’t ever been somebody, and that’s… At least you’ve had your day in the sun. The question is, how are you gonna cope with that? Well, I guess we’ll have to see.
SPEAKER 06 :
I don’t wanna deal with it for a while yet. But I mean, I think I’m going to be fine with it. And I’m believing that when I’m done with this area of my life and playing football and the opportunity that the Lord’s presented me there, I believe that there’s going to be some other big opportunities presenting themselves when I’m done playing. I really feel that God’s raised us up for a particular purpose and to take advantage of the things now, but really building a platform and building our faith and shaping us and molding us so that when I’m done playing football, that it’s not going to stop there, that I’m going to have plenty of opportunities to stand up, whether it’s being a minister to a church, whether it’s having a traveling ministry for the two of us. Whatever that may be, I believe he’s setting the groundwork now so that we can continue on when we’re done. It might not be the same as playing football and being in that spotlight, but it’ll be in the spotlight for Jesus and really what we have a heart to do. And I don’t think it’s going to quit and all of a sudden I’m just going to fall off the face of the earth and never do anything again. There’s going to be a lot out there to do.
SPEAKER 05 :
Well, let me just say again how much I appreciate you all being with us and have a great year.
SPEAKER 06 :
Thank you very much. Appreciate being on.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, what an inspiring story of perseverance through unimaginable circumstances. The Warner’s journey from food stamps to the Super Bowl and from tragedy to triumph shows us what it means to trust God in every season of life. You’ve been listening to a special edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, revisiting a memorable conversation Dr. Dobson had with Kurt and Brenda Warner. Very appropriate for this weekend with the big game coming up on Sunday. Now, if you missed any part of today’s broadcast, Or if you want to share it with a friend or family member, visit jdfi.net. And speaking of trusting God, I want to tell you about a resource that can help strengthen your own faith during difficult times. We’ve created a free 10-day email series called When God Doesn’t Make Sense. It’s based on Dr. Dobson’s best-selling book with that same title. As Brenda Warner shared on today’s broadcast, she found this book incredibly helpful during her own journey because, as she recalled, a lot in her life didn’t make sense. This email series explores the depths of hardship and examines its purpose, showing how dark valleys can bring life’s greatest blessing, which is a closer walk with the Lord. You’ll receive insightful messages that can strengthen your faith and help you understand that even when we can’t see God’s hand, we can trust his heart. To sign up for the free 10-day email series called When God Doesn’t Make Sense, go to jdfi.net. You’ll land on our landing page and then search for that title, When God Doesn’t Make Sense. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. That’s 877-732-6825. And keep in mind, you’re always welcome to reach us through the U.S. Postal Service. Our ministry mailing address is Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, P.O. Box 39000, Colorado Springs, Colorado, the zip code 80949. Well, I’m Roger Marsh, and from all of us here at Family Talk and the JDFI, thanks so much for being with us today. Join us again next time right here for another edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, the voice you can still trust for the family you love. This has been a presentation of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
