NFL legend Kurt Warner shares bittersweet pride as son Elijah Warner’s college run with Fresno State Bulldogs comes to end

Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner wrote a heartfelt message for his quarterback son, Elijah Warner, as he finished his college career with the Fresno State Bulldogs. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday, Kurt expressed his pride in his son while bidding a bittersweet farewell.

"One of my greatest joys is watching my kids chase their passions - and really fun when that passion is the same as mine!" he wrote. "I have so enjoyed watching @elijah13warner college career - from true freshman starter to nearly 11k pass yards - and today that career comes to a finish! "My heart breaks as I don’t get to be there in person & cheer him on, as I have to call an NFL game, but at the same time my heart is so full bc I couldn’t be more proud of the young man & player he has become! Finish strong my man… #GoDogs."

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Elijah began his college career at Temple in 2022. He was named American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year after throwing 3,028 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 games. He followed with a career-best 3,076 yards and 23 TDs in 2023. He led the AAC in passing yards per game and set school marks for multiple 400-yard games.

Elijah Warner then transferred to Rice in 2024, starting nearly every game. There, he threw 2,710 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 62% of his passes. He ranked among the school’s best single-season performances.

For the 2025 season, Warner committed to Fresno State and bagged the starting quarterback role. He threw for 1,811 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions through the regular season, completing 69.4% of his passes and posting a 136.0 passer rating.

Kurt Warner on Mike Vrabel’s coaching as Patriots make it to the playoffs

The New England Patriots clinched a playoff spot with a comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens. Former Super Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner praised the Patriots on "The Rich Eisen Show," saying the team mirrors its coach.

“I just think New England’s a team that has learned how to win a lot of different ways. It just seems like a Mike Vrabel-type team,” Warner said. “They’re going to be solid across the board in every facet.”

Kurt Warner highlighted the Ravens game as proof of that identity.

“Defense came up big when they needed to, Drake Maye takes over … making the right decisions over and over again," he said. “You’re going to have to outplay them across the board … because if you don’t, they’re going to take advantage of it.”

He also believes that the team will be a strong contender.

Edited by R. Elahi