About Us
Dear Friends,
Many have said if my life story was a script in Hollywood, it would never be believed, and yet American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story was released in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day 2021. I am where I am because I believed and I never gave up...and that is the message of the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation. Brenda and I are living proof of the importance of having strong faith in God, in yourself and in your talents.
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This foundation started with a vision sparked by a magical year in 1999 when my lifelong dream of success in the NFL became a reality. I had my share of ups and downs on the field during my career. But, through it all I felt the Lord’s presence at work in my life. NFL experts tried to figure out the secret to my on-field successes. For me, it's easy and really has little to do with football. First things first - faith and family - is my formula for success.
Brenda and I have experienced extreme highs and lows - and through it all our faith and our family are the fabric that holds everything together. It is our wish to share these blessings and beliefs with others who have lost hope in themselves, their talents, and life.
Established in 2001, First Things First is a 501(c)3 public charity which serves as a vehicle for Brenda and me as we reach out to the community to share our blessings with those in need.
We thank you for supporting our efforts to love on those who need to be reminded how precious life is. As a football player, I understand the importance of teamwork in turning dreams into realities. Thank you for being our teammate to remind everyone that all things are possible when you put First Things First.
God Bless,
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Kurt Warner
Quarterback #13
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017
Arizona Cardinals 2005-2009
New York Giants 2004
St. Louis Rams 1998-2003
"We don’t all get to choose the nature or substance of our moments. But what we do get to choose is what we do with those moments."
– Kurt Warner, 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame Speech
Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner’s story is one of a man filled with dignity, class and undeniable faith that captured the imagination of the sports world and beyond. Warner continually beat the odds to quarterback two perennial doormat franchises to the Super Bowl and etched his name in the NFL record books along the way. The first chapter was written in 1999 when he defied logic by emerging from obscurity to lead the St. Louis Rams to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. In that same year, Warner was named the NFL and Super Bowl MVP. He led the Rams to two additional playoff appearances – including another Super Bowl - and was one of a few NFL players to be recognized with two NFL MVP awards, receiving his second after the 2001 season. In 2005, he was signed by the Arizona Cardinals where most football experts expected him to unceremoniously end his career. A few years later, he led the Cardinals to their first ever Super Bowl berth. Despite the football honors, some of Warner’s proudest accolades are for his philanthropy including the 2008 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the 2008 Good Guy Award from the Pro Football Writers Association, USA WEEKEND’s Most Caring Athlete 2009, and the 2010 Bart Starr Award. He is currently an analyst with NFL Network. Follow him @kurt13warner
Brenda Warner
Brenda Warner is a speaker, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. She is the mother of seven children, a registered nurse, and a marine. But most of all, she is a storyteller who candidly shares her struggles in hopes that her life experiences can help others. Through her message of hope and faith, and her charitable work, she inspires people during their own dark days. As a sought-after speaker nationwide, Brenda encourages her audiences to take responsibility for their choices and to depend on their faith when they hit rough patches. Audiences have cried and belly-laughed with her at women’s conferences, banquets, churches, sporting events, and business expos. Listeners have found practical hope through her stories about her family, her work with individuals with disabilities, and her triumphs over obstacles. Follow her @WarnerBrenda
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary focus of First Things First?
A: First Things First is the family foundation of Kurt and Brenda Warner. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to impacting lives by promoting Christian values, sharing experiences and providing opportunities to encourage everyone that all things are possible when people seek to put first things first. The life experiences - both high and low - of the Warners are used as a compass in guiding the activities of the foundation. All projects are centered on their life theme of putting faith and family first.
Q: What communities does the First Things First Foundation serve?
A: While a couple of programs have a nationwide scope of outreach, First Things First primarily focuses on the communities of Phoenix, St. Louis and Cedar Rapids.
Q: I work for XYZ organization and we have a program that the Warners would be interested in funding. Can you send me a grant application?
A: First Things First does not have a grant application process. We have adopted a pro-active approach to our giving through the creation of programs, guided by the personal experiences of the Warners.
Q: I am in a special situation; can you help me (my family)?
A: First Things First does not give grants to individuals or individual families. We work to create partnerships with organizations that reach out to individuals and families.
Q: If I make a donation, can I get an autograph?
A: We appreciate your willingness to make a donation to First Things First. However, we receive too many requests for autographs to fulfill each one. In both the spring and fall, First Things First hosts online auctions with plenty of items autographed by Kurt. Additional details on those auctions are posted on our homepage and in our eblast when the auction sites are ready for bidders.
Q: I am coordinating a charitable auction or raffle. Does First Things First donate Kurt Warner merchandise to causes like mine?
A: First Things First receives a high volume of requests each year from organizations across the country and makes every effort to positively respond to as many as possible. Requests must be received at least six weeks prior to the date of the event and each organization is limited to one item per year. Please submit your request using the form at the bottom of this page.
Q: How do I request Kurt and/or Brenda Warner for a speaking engagement at my church, conference, fundraiser, business, civic group, etc?
A: Priority Sports & Entertainment, a sports marketing agency based in Chicago, exclusively handles all speaking engagement and endorsement requests for Kurt and/or Brenda Warner. Email juliem@prioritysports.biz to learn more about availability, honorarium fees, travel requirements, etc.​
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Donation Requests
In an effort to help organizations across the country raise money through auctions and raffles, First Things First strives to provide merchandise donations to as many groups as possible. Due to the high volume of requests received, organizations must fill out the form below (mailed requests are not accepted) no less than six weeks prior to the date of the event. Requests not allowing six weeks processing will not be fulfilled. First Things First does not accept items to be autographed but will provide organizations with one item per year from our inventory.
NOTE: Any requests not related to auctions/raffles submitted through this form will be disregarded.
Your auction/raffle request MUST include a link to a website with event information (social media posts are acceptable).
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