The Combine is underway, with the best prospects in the NFL Draft trying to boost their stock before the eyes of fans, scouts, and reporters alike - but Kurt Warner's son didn't get his chance
19:06 ET, 27 Feb 2026
Kurt Warner works as an analyst these days, regularly appearing on the NFL Network
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Kurt Warner works as an analyst these days, regularly appearing on the NFL Network(Image: Getty Images)
Kurt Warner took a shot at the NFL Combine selection process after his son E.J. was overlooked for an invite.
The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, with Sonny Styles stealing the show on Day 1. But while 319 prospects were invited to compete and showcase their abilities at Lucas Oil Stadium, many other NFL Draft hopefuls missed out.
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One of these was Warner’s son, E.J. Warner. Over a four-year college football career at Temple, Rice, and Fresno State, the 22-year-old put up 10,625 yards and 70 touchdowns to 48 interceptions, only to miss out on the Combine.
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Warner took to social media to openly question the passing drills that quarterbacks are made to run through at the NFL Combine. When asked if his son would be in attendance, the Hall of Famer questioned the process.
“Participate in what? The Combine? Nope, I guess 2nd highest total yardage in FBS over last 4 years doesn’t qualify when playing at G5 school!” Warner quipped. “Measurables over production in this case, but all good, all he needs is a shot & he’ll show someone why he’s been so productive!”
Warner referenced his own journey, as he went undrafted in 1994 before tearing up the league: “He just wants to follow in Dad’s footsteps bc he loves me so much!”
When asked to seriously evaluate his son, Warner suggested San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy could be a comparison — but admitted he wanted to see how E.J. would fare in an environment like the Combine. He wrote: “I want to see… he’s a good player!
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E.J. Warner enjoyed a productive career but missed out on a Combine invite
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E.J. Warner enjoyed a productive career but missed out on a Combine invite(Image: Getty Images)
“Special processor, really accurate, extremely consistent... I def think he can play in NFL, reminds me a lot of Brock Purdy… can he be a top end starter? That’s the question I don’t know & hope we get a chance to see!”
One fan also highlighted that Warner’s son could shun the NFL in favor of an opportunity in a league like the UFL. The fan outlined how the league would give him a chance to compete on nationally televised games and put up game tape against talented guys fighting to jump the hurdle towards a roster spot on an NFL team.
Given his history, Warner simply replied: “I think u know where I stand on other leagues & learning & growing by playing football!”
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Warner spent time in the Arena Football League and even played for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe months before landing his first NFL roster spot with the St. Louis Rams in 1998. In his second season, Warner was named league and Super Bowl MVP while leading ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’ to the Lombardi Trophy.