A Conversation with Kurt Warner part 1

Kurt Warner recently sat down with TGI for an exclusive one-on-one interview.

Q: Why in the world would you want to come here right after they traded up for Eli Manning?

A: It wasn't so much about Eli Manning as it was just figuring out what was the best situation for Kurt Warner. Just talking to the organization and the coaches, it not only presented the best situation for me on the field, but also a lot of great opportunities for me off the field. Playing in New York. What a special place to play; what a special organization to be a part of. The opportunities that it presented my family. The opportunities that were presented on the football field. With a young guy being here, you know that he's the quarterback of the future. That's not something that's in question or up for debate. Everybody knows that. But still, the best situation for me, at least in a one-year situation, it gives me a chance to put myself back where I want to be from a career standpoint. There were a lot of things that lined up that really drew me to this situation. It wasn't really about Eli. It was about what was the best situation for me. With everything coming into play – the best situation to win, the best situation to be successful early – all those things went into it.

Q: They must have done a good job of selling you when you were here, right?

A: The kind of people that are in this organization, the coaching staff, really lined up with what I was looking for. From where I had been and where I was moving to in my life, and the kind of person that I am, I was looking for a certain type of situation, a certain type of integrity and class. What I saw here really epitomized that. Then to couple that with what I thought the football was – the kind of players I know that are here – really got me excited about what was presenting itself by coming out to New York.

Q: So how does Kurt Warner handle it if Eli Manning is named the starter and starts the season opener?

A: First and foremost, I'm not even thinking about that. I'm getting myself ready and I'm planning on playing. If that transpires, then I have to do whatever I have to do in that situation. I have to accept that role and go with it. It's really not crossing my mind, and I'm projecting and believing that I'm going to prove myself and play the way that I've always played and be the starter for the New York Giants. You can't rule that out, but it's just not in my thought process right now. I'd handle it and do it like I've always done it, like I did last year, and do what's best for this football team. It's just really not consuming my mind right now; I've got other things to worry about.