Kurt Warner started his journey going undrafted before becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Son EJ Warner is following a similar trek with no team taking him during the 2026 NFL Draft. But the Denver Broncos handed the 2025 Fresno State football starter and younger Warner a tryout.
Is the elder Warner optimistic that Sean Payton and company are the right fit? He shared his thoughts via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette Wednesday.
“Obviously, he’s on the smaller size stature-wise. But where would you want to go compete other than with a guy like Sean Payton, who coached the best quarterback in NFL history under 6 feet (in Drew Brees)?” Warner asked.
EJ Warner stood at 5-foot-11 during his collegiate career. Unlike his father, Warner never played at Northern Iowa. But he didn't stay at one spot either.
Article Continues Below
The son landed at Temple out of the recruiting trail, committing to the Owls' 2022 class. He starred right out the gate in Philadelphia, throwing for 3,028 yards and winning American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year.
EJ Warner raised his yardage to 3,076 in 2023 plus tossed 23 touchdowns in what became his final season at Temple. He stayed in the AAC, though, by committing to Rice University. But struggled to surpass 3,000 yards and tossed 18 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
Warner landed out west and became Matt Entz's first transfer portal QB in taking over the Bulldogs. Except Warner struggled behind center and even briefly lost his starting position. Warner redeemed himself in the end by winning the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Most Valuable Player honor, throwing for 214 yards and tossing a touchdown in the 18-3 win over Miami (Ohio).
Kurt Warner started his journey going undrafted before becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Son EJ Warner is following a similar trek with no team taking him during the 2026 NFL Draft. But the Denver Broncos handed the 2025 Fresno State football starter and younger Warner a tryout. Is the elder Warner optimistic that Sean Payton and company are the right fit?