Warner an Easy MVP Winner

Kurt Warner’s sensational rise from obscure quarterback to passing wizard was capped Wednesday when he was voted the NFL’s most valuable player by The Associated Press.

Warner, the only player other than Dan Marino to throw for 40 touchdowns in a season, was the guiding force as the St. Louis Rams moved from also-ran to the NFC’s best record. The former Arena League and NFL Europe player was an overwhelming choice in balloting by a national panel of 50 media members.

“I thought we could be successful,” Warner said, “but to think in training camp that it would happen for me this way was farfetched. They were not sure what they would do going in. They had some questions if I was an NFL backup.”

When Trent Green, signed to a huge free agent contract during the off-season, wrecked a knee during the first preseason game, Warner no longer was a questionable backup. He was the full-time quarterback, a decision Coach Dick Vermeil made immediately after Green’s injury.

Warner completed 325 of 499 passes for 4,353 yards, 41 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions. His 109.2 rating led the league.

Warner received 33 votes and was followed in the balloting by teammate Marshall Faulk and Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, each with eight, and Colt running back Edgerrin James with one. The only other Ram player to win the award was quarterback Roman Gabriel in 1969.

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NFL MVP Voting

The voting for the 1999 NFL most valuable player named by the Associated Press in balloting by a nationwide media panel:

Kurt Warner, St. Louis 33 votes

Marshall Faulk, St. Louis 8 votes

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis 8 votes

Edgerrin James, Indianapolis 1 vote