The Rise of Underdogs: Jeff George and Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner, the 28-year-old quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, has become an overnight sensation, leading his team to a 49-37 rout of the Minnesota Vikings. Warner's impressive performance, with 5 touchdowns and 391 yards, solidified his position as the NFL's most valuable player. Meanwhile, Jeff George, the Vikings' quarterback, showed why he is a skilled player, throwing for 424 yards and 4 touchdowns in the last four minutes of the game.

Key Takeaways:

• Kurt Warner, a fifth-year senior at Northern Iowa University, was cut by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 and found himself working nights at a grocery store before being picked up by the Rams in 1998.
• Warner played in N.F.L. Europe in 1998 and then played in one game for the Rams in 1998, with no indicators that he would become the NFL's most valuable player.
• Jeff George, a high school star in Indianapolis, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1990 and signed a six-year contract for $12 million, but he was later criticized for holding out and being aloof on the sidelines.
• George spent two seasons in Oakland and was let go, and last April he signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for a $400,000 base salary with incentives.
• Warner and George met as equals on the field, with the Rams winning and George showing why he is a skilled player.
• Warner's rise to fame is a testament to his hard work and determination, while George's career has been marked by controversy and criticism.

Statistics:

• Kurt Warner threw 33 passes and completed 27 for 391 yards and 5 touchdowns in the game.
• Jeff George threw 50 attempts, 29 completions, 424 yards, and 4 touchdown passes during the last four minutes of the game.
• George's contract with the Vikings was for a $400,000 base salary with incentives.
• The Rams won the game 49-37.
• Warner was cut by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 and spent two years in N.F.L. Europe before being picked up by the Rams.

Sources:

• [Associated Press, Reuters]