Warner's had impact off the field too

TAMPA, Fla. - Kurt Warner could be a big winner Sunday before the Super Bowl even begins.

An award the Arizona Cardinals quarterback has told people he'd prefer over a league MVP honor could become his on Sunday afternoon. Warner is one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

The award is a recognition of players off-field accomplishments. The other finalists are Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk and Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins.

Among their deeds, Birk has established a foundation that has funded educational resources and opportunities for Twin Cities youth, and Dawkins has been honored by the American Diabetes Association for his work in the Philadelphia community.

Warners team is a seven-point underdog against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sundays Super Bowl, but he may be the favorite to win this award, which has gone to NFL stars like Peyton Manning and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Warner created a partnership with Habitat for Humanity last year to sponsor home-building throughout flood-damaged areas of the Midwest, including his Cedar Rapids hometown, raising more than $450,000 for that cause.

He initiated that effort after visiting affected Cedar Rapids neighborhoods last July.

Warner began the First Things First Foundation in 2001. He has personally contributed more than $1.5 million since then for things ranging from home-builds for underprivileged families to Special Olympics events.

Each year, Warner funds trips for Make-A-Wish Foundation Families on a trip to Orlando's Disney World, and accompanies the families.

In St. Louis, where he once starred, he still has annual Warm-up Winter Coat Drive for those in need. Since the effort began in 2001, more than 75,000 coats have been collected, and distributed to the needy.

The NFL held a news conference Friday to present the finalists. Warner couldn't attend because of practice responsibilities with his team as it prepares for Sundays game, so his wife appeared on his behalf.

"He wanted to let you know that he's honored," Brenda Warner said. "This is one award that he's always wanted. I promise if he wins it well make room on the trophy case, and it will get dusted."

He's honored to wear this helmet with the Arizona Cardinals and he's won a Lombardi Trophy (Super Bowl championship), but this is just such an honor.

He's very worthy of all this even though he wouldn't say that himself. He's a good man.