Kurt Warner to speak Wednesday at Show Me Center

Leadership on and off the field will be the topic of two-time NFL MVP winner Kurt Warner's appearance Wednesday night at the Show Me Center.

Warner is one of the headliners of Southeast Missouri State University's annual speaker series, which brings various presenters to Cape Girardeau to share life experiences, inspirational messages and entertainment with the campus and the community.

His presentation is titled "All Things Possible!" and derives its name from Warner's best-selling book, "All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season."

Joanna Shaver, the university's coordinator of campus programs, said around 800 tickets to the event have been handed out so far to students, faculty and staff, showing that there is a genuine interest in hearing Warner speak.

Warner spent 12 years in the NFL, garnering numerous awards for play and his character as a professional athlete. As quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, he led the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. He also took the team to another Super Bowl and playoff appearance and earned several NFL career postseason records, including the Super Bowl record for most career passing yards. He later played for the New York Giants and led the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl in 2008. He retired from the NFL in 2010.

Since retiring, Warner has been a motivational speaker, television broadcaster and commentator and a cast member on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." He and his wife lead the First Things First Foundation, which promotes Christian values.

Casey Sheehan of Cape Girardeau will take his son Owen, 11, to hear Warner. The two were given tickets through the Cape Youth Tackle Football League, of which Owen is a player.

"I've heard bits and pieces of him speaking before, and from what I know he is really family oriented, so I am excited for my son to see someone like that," Sheehan said. He said with negative situations some sports stars become involved in these days, role models like Warner can seem few and far between.

Warner's character awards include Forbes Magazine's America's Most-Liked Sports Figures and Sports Illustrated's Best Role Model.

According to the Show Me Center box office, tickets are still available for the event but are going steadily.

Tickets are free for students, faculty and staff. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.showmecenter.biz and the Show Me Center box office.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO

1313 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO