Warner brainstorming to help flood victims

Like many former Cedar Rapids residents, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner watched on television as the place he once called home was swallowed by the Cedar River.

He said "you're never really sure" how bad it is watching from afar, but "when I got the phone calls from my family, that's when it kind of hit home."

A graduate of Regis High School and the University of Northern Iowa who lives outside Phoenix, Warner said his mother's store, Schumacher's Carpets, was flooded along with a couple of homes his grandfather owns.

Now Warner wants to do something for Cedar Rapids. Like pro golfer Zach Johnson, another famous Regis graduate, Warner said his relief plans are in the "infant stages."

He said he's working with his foundation, First Things First, and the National Football League.

"We're going to try to do a wide range of things," he said. "The NFL wants to do something, as well."

Getting ready for his 11th season in the NFL, and fourth with the Cardinals, Warner said he doesn't want to "retrace somebody's steps" and is looking for where help is needed most.

"We're brainstorming like everybody else," said Warner, who has passed for 24,008 yards and 152 touchdowns in a career that includes season and Super Bowl MVP honors.

"We're trying to figure out what the next phase is."

Warner said he has shot a couple of public service announcements for the Red Cross.

"We're looking where we can be the most helpful," he said, "... where we can best be utilized."

Warner said he will make an announcement once his plans are finalized.

"It's definitely on the forefront of my mind," he said.

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