It’s Time to Retire, Kurt

Trust me.

Since you took the league by storm in 1999, you’ve posted remarkable offensive numbers that are definitely Canton-worthy. Sure, you don’t have the longevity or consistency that other Hall of Fame signal callers have had, but the statistics you’ve compiled should put you over the top.

There aren’t any recent quarterbacks in Canton who can match your completion percentage (65.5), yards per attempt (7.9), or yards per game (over 260). Only Steve Young and a handful of others have a better career passer rating – Young’s 96.8 compared to 93.7 – and Dan Marino is the only quarterback with more 300-yard games.

Sure, staying in the league for a few more years would help your resume; Larry Fitzgerald is in his prime and the Cardinals are a young, talented team. But aside from a long, consistent career, you should be a lock for the Hall of Fame. It is time to call it quits.

Despite your rather short career, your postseason success rivals even the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Only Bart Starr’s 104.8 postseason rating is better than your impressive 104.6 mark. In addition, no one in league history has averaged more passing yards per postseason game (312.3).

You’ve won a Super Bowl, and appeared in three. In those three games, you posted the three highest yardage totals in Super Bowl history. The history books won’t blame you for coming up short – a 9-3 postseason record and incredible statistics will speak for themselves.

Hang on … I just got an unpleasant taste in my mouth.

Admitting that Kurt Warner is a very good quarterback is difficult; comparing him with other great quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame is harder. After Warner almost single-handedly embarrassed the Seahawks year after year, it is hard to acknowledge his greatness.

But if recognizing his talent will result in his retirement, then I’m all for it. As a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, I want nothing more than to reclaim the NFC West – sooner than later, hopefully. Matt Leinart has struggled as the starting quarterback, and without Kurt Warner the Cardinals would obviously take a step back.

The past two seasons, Warner has thrown for well over 8,000 yards and 56 touchdowns. Through 17 starts in the NFL, Leinart has a quarterback rating of 70.8 and has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. Who would you rather see on the other side of the line of scrimmage?

I’ve got my fingers crossed, and I’ll be tuning in this Friday. Hopefully, Kurt Warner will announce his retirement.

I’ll admit his greatness, but I still hate the guy.