Kurt Warner’s son, E.J. Warner, has received an invitation to attend the Denver Broncos’ rookie minicamp as a tryout player this weekend, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo. The opportunity follows a similar tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs last week, marking Warner’s first exposure to NFL offseason programs.
E.J. Warner, a 2024 graduate of Rice University, entered the 2024 season as the Owls’ starting quarterback. Prior to Rice, he spent two seasons as the starter at Temple and transferred to Fresno State for his final year, where he started ten games. At Fresno State, Warner completed 192 of 277 passes for 2,030 yards, threw 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His college résumé includes experience in three Division I programs and showcases a trajectory of steady development.
The younger Warner’s path mirrors, in part, the unconventional route taken by his father. Kurt Warner went undrafted, worked in a grocery store and played in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before earning a spot with the St. Louis Rams in 1999. That season he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory and was named league MVP, a narrative that has become a hallmark of NFL perseverance.
Despite the legacy, E.J. Warner’s immediate objective is to secure a roster or practice‑squad position, rather than replicate his father’s rapid ascent. The tryout invitations from two AFC West franchises indicate that teams see potential value in his size, arm strength, and collegiate experience. Should Warner impress during the Broncos’ minicamp, he could be added to the team’s 90‑man offseason roster, giving him a chance to compete in training camp and preseason.
The NFL’s offseason structure allows undrafted players and free‑agents to showcase their abilities through rookie minicamps, which are often the first step toward earning a contract. For Warner, participation in both the Chiefs and Broncos programs offers a rare chance to evaluate his fit within different offensive schemes and to receive direct feedback from NFL coaching staffs.
If Warner converts the tryout into a contract, it would continue the Warner family’s connection to professional football and add another example of a former undrafted player receiving an NFL opportunity. The upcoming weekend’s minicamp will be his first formal assessment at the professional level, and his performance will determine whether he advances to the next stage of his career.
