How do you call out a few when the entire team is a collection of guys you would not mind mentoring your kids? Seriously, there is not one T.O., Pacman, the old Ray Lewis, etc, etc, etc.. on this team. Now, in the 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl is when you would typically hear about a player (s) getting into some sort of trouble. You won't hear that about our guys though. They are all a bunch of no-nonsense, classy, selfless individuals...
If I had to call out a few:
1.) Kurt Warner: Say what you will... but I have no doubt that his decision to come to camp and WIN the starting job is why we are here today. Had Whiz taken the easier route and named Matty the starter, things would be vastly different. Thank you Kurt for being the MAN you are. You are now a lock for the Hall of Fame. But even better, you are a Hall of Fame teammate, husband, father and citizen. More than any other player on this team, I am beyond grateful that you came to the desert and that I have had the opportunity to watch you on the field, and come to better understand who you are off the field... You redefine class. Thank You!
2.) Bertrand Berry: Never once was I ever ashamed to say that I was a fan of yours. I saw you during the pre-game warm ups as you stood alone in a corner of the SEZ. At one point, opening your arms and holding them up to the sky. My son asked what you were doing... I knew. And I told my son that you were taking it all in, and speaking to our maker. I know how much this all means to you... Watching you yesterday, embracing the Championship Trophy, walking around the field with tears flowing - I couldn't help but get misty-eyed myself. You took less money to stay here with us because you believed. And we believed in YOU! Bertrand, THANK YOU for simply being YOU! And for being yet another star who serves as a tremendous role model for my kids!
3.) A-Dub: Few others on this team have worked as hard and given so much to this franchise. You perservered like nobody else. You deserve this more than any other person on this team. You played your heart out yesterday, as you do every Sunday. And when all the talk was about some punk named Dawkins, you outplayed him and did it with your typical aggressive, CLEAN classy way!! Watching you speak with the tears steaming down your face - I had to hide my face in my hands... It was simply too much...
4.) The rest: Darnell, Gerald Hayes, Rackers, Reggie Wells... Couldn't be happier for a great group of warriors...
5.) Coach Whiz, Coach Grimm, Pendy and Todd Haley: Wow! The first 9 & 7 team to reach the Super Bowl. Incredible effort of your part to somehow turn this ship around when so many thought it was too late. You guys are history-making coaches. Soak it in fella's because you EARNED it!!!