Temple QB E.J. Warner wins AAC Rookie of the Year for 2022

Ryan Conway
November 30, 2022
Philly
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Temple freshman QB and demigod E.J. Warner has officially won the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year award. Kurt Warner’s son took over for D’Wan Mathis a few games into the season and never looked back, posting 3,028 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The American shared the news of E.J. Warner winning the honor on Twitter:

🏈Rookie of the Year🏈

E.J. Warner | @Temple_FB

Warner took over as the starter in the Owls third game and proceeded to post 3,028 yards on the season with 18 TDs. He finished fourth in The American in passing, averaging 275.3 yards per game pic.twitter.com/h7mEDMdrdD
— American Football (@American_FB) November 30, 2022

My God… If he isn’t careful, he just might turn Temple into a football school. That would be the definition of a herculean task.

While these numbers are already impressive, he accomplished them while dealing with (clearly unfounded) concerns about arm strength. While E.J. has dealt with them primarily on the field, it hasn’t stopped his dad from exposing takes about his son.

What a weak comment… be better! Kid can play, period… no need to take shots!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) November 26, 2022

Now, bear in mind, Jon Jansen is a buddy of mine over at Fox Sports The Gambler, and he’s a good dude. That said, his QB takes shouldn’t be taken seriously, especially when his concern is arm strength.

The kid still puts up absurd offensive numbers. Hell, he dropped 527 on Jansen’s alma mater ECU. While Temple still managed to lose that game because the majority of the team simply isn’t very good.

After that performance, E.J. Warner exhibited some of his old man’s competitive spirit. The tweet below confirms he has some dawg in him.

Nothing like being Trolled & humbled by your kids… got this screen-shot (with no words) from @elijah13warner after he throws for 527 on Saturday!!! Haha #FatherOf7 https://t.co/vivMAPtc7p
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) November 28, 2022

Of course, these gaudy numbers are swiftly followed by questions about transferring. E.J. Warner may be a kid, but he’s no dummy. He’s absolutely aware of the state of the program.

Will he leave and go to a bigger program? Or will he stick around North Philly and become a Temple legend?

While many suspect he will bolt for a Power 5 school, papa Kurt thinks otherwise. After the season I watched from E.J. I’m praying that’s the case.