Kurt Warner

Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, two-time NFL MVP quarterback Kurt Warner learned how to excel from his high school teacher and coach Richard Breitbach. Mr. Breitbach taught the future Super Bowl champion that in "everything you do, no matter how big or how small, do it to the best of your ability."

Behind Every Famous Person is a Fabulous Teacher.

Kurt Warner and Richard Breitbach

 

Kurt Warner, led an impressive, lengthy career in the NFL. Born on June 22, 1971 in Burlington, Iowa, Kurt played high school football at Regis High School, under the coaching of Richard Breitbach. He played college football at University of Northern Iowa where, during his senior year, he began to show his true talent.

After graduation, Kurt did not find the right fit in the NFL and spent some time working menial jobs to support himself. In 1995, Kurt joined the Arena Football League and quickly became the premier quarterback in the league. Eventually, NFL scouts took notice and Kurt soon signed with the St. Louis Rams. It was with the Rams that Kurt found enormous success, leading the team to an NFL championship.

In 2008 he led another team, the Arizona Cardinals, to the Super Bowl 43 where they would lose by four points to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With an illustrious career behind him, Kurt decided to retire from the NFL after the following season.

Kurt's comittments extended beyond the field as well. In 2001, Kurt and his wife Brenda established the First Things First Foundation, a non-profit public charity dedicated to impacting lives by promoting Christian values, sharing experiences and providing opportunities to underprivileged individuals. Kurt has also received many awards, including recent accolades 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.

Richard Breitbach was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1936. He graduated from Loras College in 1959 with a degree in Social Studies and Physical Education along with a coaching endorsement. He then went on to recieve his Masters Degree in Secondary Education Administration. He began his teaching career in Owatonna, MN, (1659-60). He then moved to Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, IA, where he coached Kurt. There, his tenure lasted an empressive 38 years from 1960-1998. Mr. Breitbach also taught at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids as his coaching endorsement allowed him to work with other high school students in football, basketball and baseball.