This afternoon, in a conference call with reporters, the Arizona QB remembered wanting his new friend to fail ... just enough.
"All I was hoping, no offense to Jake, was that he would make a few more mistakes than me so that the coaches would give me a chance..." Warner said. "I just knew at that point in time that was my last chance. He was a young kid and he was going to get another opportunity, but I was never going to get that opportunity."
Warner, now 37, won the Admirals job, prospered in Europe, and eventually won an NFL opportunity that led to a Super Bowl title with St. Louis. Delhomme, who turns 34 this week, rode the bench that year in Amsterdam, got a shot with the New Orleans Saints practice squad - and eventually landed in Carolina.
Did Warner know Delhomme was NFL material?
"I don’t know if you are ever sure," he said. "There is so much to this position as opposed to just throwing the ball or having the velocity or doing this or doing that. What I did see was an amazing competitor.
"I remember thinking to myself that this guy definitely has a chance."
The two now share an agent and keep in touch. "That’s the great thing because we were competitive for a position while over there, but at the same time we grew really close," Warner said. "He’s just a tremendous individual. He’s one of those guys that you love being around."
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Well, I guess that just proves that Jake is the better QB... if Warner had to hope that he made more mistakes to win the position, he couldn't have felt he was better than Jake.
ReplyDeleteWhen you judge a player, ask not what fans think, ask what their peers think.
I think it means that he thought that they were equal.
ReplyDeleteYea, he likes jake so much that after the first game he didnt even go and try to find him to shake his hand?..hmmm?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I saw Jake and Warner meet and almost embrace after a game a year or 2 ago. I'd be suprised if Warner didn't do anything this year.
ReplyDeleteomments:
ReplyDeleteJohn said...
Well, I guess that just proves that Jake is the better QB... if Warner had to hope that he made more mistakes to win the position, he couldn't have felt he was better than Jake.
When you judge a player, ask not what fans think, ask what their peers think.
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Absolutely! Jake is much better! Lets us compare:
Kurt Warner
1. 1999 NFL MVP
2. 2001 NFL MVP
3. Super Bowl XXXIV MVP
Jake
1.
2.
3. He does Bojangles Commercials
Clearly Jake is better! Why? Because using panther fan reasoning, it is not what Kurt has done, and what Jake hasn't, it is because at this exact moment the panthers are favored to win.
Yeah...Jake is better!
Now excuse me, I have to go feed my unicorn!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIts always interesting to view sports from a player's perspective
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is missing the point. Side by Side--they are probably equal--what makes a great QB is the supporting Cast. If I am correct--This year Jake has it--Hey Im a Steeler Fan and would love to see Kurt in Tampa!!!!! But as far as who is better, it all about the supporting cast, Defense, O-line, Running backs, recievers..............Defense win Championships--And that is probably why Carolina will not win this one.... Sorry Folks--But this year Jake is the better QB
ReplyDeleteJake Warner is one of the class acts in the NFL. I like him a lot as a professional athlete with character. He's a good role model. But, I'll take Jake as the better QB in the playoffs this year, and we'll prevail against the Cards on Saturday. We have the better team.
ReplyDeleteHickorypantherfan,
ReplyDeleteWho is Jake Warner?
Kurt, we all know that if you wait long enough, Jake will make a mistake. So, bud, I just hope you are waiting until some time in fall 2009 this time.
ReplyDeleteOn the pertinence of Bojangles commercials ...
ReplyDeleteI don't know what food products Kurt Warner might be endorsing out in Arizona (some type of scorpion burgers or armadillo tenders, perhaps?), but I do know Jake has good taste in chicken!
What makes a better QB is his supporting Cast? Whats makes a better QB is his Football IQ, his throwing arm, his accuracy, his ability to read defenses, scramble, etc. Kurt Warner is probably the better QB. And if anything Kurts supporting staff, um 3 1000 yard receivers, sounds pretty good to me. Anyway.. NFL players are a unique bread, on the field you want to pound the other guy, off the field you may have a picnic together.
ReplyDeleteClair, thanks for pointing out my error. Jake Warner is Kurt Warner's evil twin, and Kurt Delhomme is Jake Delhomme's evil twin. I get these people mixed up all the time!
ReplyDeleteI meant to say "Kurt Warner."
Ten bucks says the above post that was "removed by a blog administrator" involved a derogatory remark about that wonderful creation known as the Spicy Chicken Filet Biscuit. Cuz ya gotta have standards.
ReplyDelete"I just knew at that point in time that was my last chance. He was a young kid and he was going to get another opportunity, but I was never going to get that opportunity."
ReplyDeleteWhat was he talking about. He wasn't 10 years older than Jake, he was only 3.
we'll probably start lienart instead. Either QB's are good for us.
ReplyDeletekidding, charlotte and the panthers are the best thing since, sliced bread.
So who didja say you guys are looking forward to?
Eagles? Giants?
We're just a warm up for you guys anyways. Show some respect for us, and please beat us only by 10 points.
At least be happy, that your state bird is comin to town! THE CARDINALS !!!
Now that was funny.
ReplyDeleteJake will make mistakes. GO CARDINALS!!
ReplyDeleteUnforunately Jake has the supporting cast to win a Super Bowl but he will never do it. He will choke...always does. Sad part is, the management hasn't got sense enough to go get someone to take the team all the way...so we will continue to be the bridesmaid.
ReplyDeleteEventually Jake will be too old to play and they will have to get a new quarterback...but by then Steve Smith, Deangelo Williams...they will be somewhere else playing for a team that can put ALL the pieces of the puzzle together.
I'm a Cardinals fan from AZ. Kurt had the same feelings about Leinart this year, and was actually public about him saying he will win the starting job if given a fair chance.
ReplyDeleteKurt is a nice guy, but do be fooled...when it comes to competition he is just as Ruthless and cut-throat as any other great QB.
I just cant wait til saturday...may the best team wins..which is the PANTHERS! PS...Jake please have the best game u ever had!
ReplyDeleteGO JAKE WARNER!!!.....Whoever you are LOL
ReplyDeleteUnforunately Jake has the supporting cast to win a Super Bowl but he will never do it. He will choke...always does. Sad part is, the management hasn't got sense enough to go get someone to take the team all the way...so we will continue to be the bridesmaid. ??? What I'm pretty sure Jake didn't choke in the superbowl, as I remember it was a blown kickoff out of bounds giving the Patriots great feild position for the winning field goal. besides worse QB's have won superbowls it takes the whole team.
ReplyDeleteIs is just me, or am I the only one thinking..."Boy, it must be a great day to be their agent?" Both are in the playoffs. Hmmm. That's money for that agent. Not a bad economy for him, I suppose, right now. :)
ReplyDelete~ Alison
PS - Love ya, Kurt Warner, but GO PANTHERS!!!
don't you think if we can get to charlotte.com, we can get to panthers.com.... would like to see more original material here... thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhy all the Jake hate? He has done something this year that has NEVER been accomplished by a pro quarterback. How many people would have bet that the Panthers would be in the playoffs with a quarteback comming off of Tommy John surgery and not have missed one game? OUTSTANDING accomplishment by a true team leader. Read Kurt's remarks about there being a lot of different elements making up a good quarterback. Jake is the best team leader and the consumate team player. You Jake haters, grow up!
ReplyDeleteHey John...THAT WAS 11 YEARS AGO!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a HS and college QB, I wanted my competition to slip up too! No disrespect to them and I am still great friends with a few of them, but competition is competition. Any edge you can get you use. When I was getting the playing time, they did their best to help me prepare and when I lost time due to injury and one AWFUL game, I did my best for them as well, once the decision was made to go with them.
Jake is a solid QB, but for THIS year, I will take Warner. GO CARDS!
The Cardinals will crush the kitties this Saturday. Kurt will throw for another 400 yards against the weak Carolina pass defense. Jake will choke as usual and will fid himself on the ground more than standing. It won't even be close. Cardinals by 21.
ReplyDeleteCards win by 21? What's their record again? I don't mean to sound cocky but mathmatically the Panthers are the favorite. The Cardinals shouldn't even be in the playoffs. They should have given their spot up to the Bills. But thanks for knocking Atlanta off though.
ReplyDeleteJeez, I know its time for the Panthers to put up or shut up. That means you defense-Julius and you great corners who when the Panthers do lose- fail to show up on defense. Wake up and help Jake and win one for the big cat. I wished all of you on defense had the guts and fortitude of one Jon Beason who plays every play like it is his last!
ReplyDeletesome type of scorpion burgers or armadillo tenders, perhaps
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried one nope just us AZ people can handle them like were gonna handle the kitty cats.........