BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Cardinals Legend Kurt Warner Returns as Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Phoenix, AZ – September 16, 2025
In a monumental and unexpected announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL world, the Arizona Cardinals have officially welcomed back franchise legend Kurt Warner, appointing him as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting in the 2025 season.
The announcement was made earlier today by Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and the Bidwill family, marking a historic return of one of the most iconic figures in the team’s history. Warner, who previously led the Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in the 2008 season, now re-enters the organization—not as a player or broadcaster—but as a key executive poised to shape the future of the franchise.
“This is more than a homecoming,” said Bidwill in a press conference. “Kurt Warner embodies the values, resilience, and vision we want guiding the next chapter of the Arizona Cardinals. His leadership on and off the field has been proven time and again, and we believe he is the perfect person to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer.”
From Undrafted to Unforgettable
Warner’s journey from grocery store shelves to Super Bowl MVP is one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. After going undrafted, he eventually became the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams and led them to a Super Bowl title in 1999. But it was his time in Arizona that cemented his legacy as a Cardinal.
Joining the team in 2005, Warner helped reshape the franchise’s culture, culminating in a thrilling run to Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Though the Cardinals fell just short to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Warner’s leadership and playmaking earned him lasting reverence among Arizona fans.
A New Chapter in the Front Office
As COO, Warner will oversee daily football operations, collaborate closely with General Manager Monti Ossenfort, and support Head Coach Jonathan Gannon in building a sustainable, winning culture.
Warner addressed the media this morning, expressing gratitude and excitement about his new role:
“The Cardinals gave me a second chance when no one else would. Now, I get to return that favor in a way I never imagined. I’m here to build—not just a team, but a legacy that our fans and this city can be proud of.”
Fan and League Reaction
The news has ignited a wave of excitement across social media, with current and former players, fans, and analysts praising the move. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement, calling Warner’s appointment “a powerful reminder of how great leaders transcend the game.”
Warner becomes one of the few Hall of Fame players to transition into a C-suite executive role within the NFL, joining a short list of former players who now shape organizational decisions at the highest level.
View More:
What does Warner’s return mean for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ long-term plans?
Full press conference video + Warner’s official COO statement.
Inside look at Warner’s leadership vision and day-to-day responsibilities.
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