Kevin Warren

Warren was born on November 17, 1963, in Phoenix, Arizona.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/business/kevin-warren-championships-are-won-in-the-details.html|title=Kevin Warren of the Minnesota Vikings: Championships Are Won in the Details|last=Bryant|first=Adam|date=2016-08-05|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-21|issn=0362-4331}} He became interested in sports at an early age, which he attributes to members of his family. His father, Morrison Warren Sr., played football for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/bda/1948.htm|title=1948 Brooklyn Dodgers Statistics & Players {{!}} Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-21}} and went on to be named president of the 1982 Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors, the first African-American to serve in this position for a major college bowl game.{{Cite web|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/20130713top-50-asu-football-players-of-all-time-morrison-warren.html|title=No. 50: Running back Morrison Warren, 1946-47|last=Metcalfe|first=Jeff|date=15 July 2013|website=The Arizona Republic|access-date=}} In 2013, Arizona State University (ASU) named Morrison Warren as one of the Top 50 ASU football players of all time.{{Cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/20130713top-50-asu-football-players-of-all-time-morrison-warren.html|title=No. 50: Running back Morrison Warren, 1946-47|newspaper=azcentral.com|access-date=2017-02-21}} Kevin's eldest brother, Morrison Warren Jr., played football at Stanford in the early 1960s and was one of the first African-American scholarship student-athletes at Stanford.

As a young boy, Kevin was struck by a car and forced into traction and a body cast for many months. Doctors informed Warren that there was a chance he might not walk again, and therefore it was highly unlikely that he would ever fulfill any dreams he had of playing sports.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/04/30/In-Depth/Kevin-Warren.aspx|title=Sports Lawyers: Kevin Warren|website=www.sportsbusinessdaily.com|date=30 April 2012 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-21}} A doctor told Kevin that aquatic rehabilitation exercises may be his only hope at recovery. Since there was not an easily accessible pool in Kevin's neighborhood, Kevin's family used the money from the insurance settlement received following the car accident to construct a pool in his backyard. Aided by his dedication to swimming, Warren recovered and went on to be recruited to play college basketball.

After graduating from Marcos De Niza High School, Warren entered the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The following year, he left Penn to attend Grand Canyon University, a Christian university in Arizona where he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration in 1986.{{Cite web|url=http://www.law.miami.edu/faculty/kevin-warren|title=Kevin Warren {{!}} University of Miami School of Law|website=www.law.miami.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-02-26}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/01/08/for-vikings-executive-kevin-warren-the-work-has-only-begun/78527608/|title=For Vikings executive Kevin Warren, the work has only begun|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2017-02-26|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=1304664&privcapId=1276208|title=Kevin F. Warren: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=2017-02-26}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.gculopes.com/hof.aspx?hof=42&path=&kiosk=|title=Grand Canyon University - Hall of Fame|website=www.gculopes.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-26}}

Following his graduation from Grand Canyon University, Warren attended Arizona State University where he earned his Master of Business Administration in 1988. He subsequently attended the University of Notre Dame Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1990. In November 2019, Warren was inducted into the 42nd annual W.P. Carey School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame at Arizona State University.{{Cite web|url=https://alumni.asu.edu/20191119-top-business-leaders-be-honored|title=W.P. Carey School announces 2019 Alumni Hall of Fame members|access-date=2019-12-11|archive-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211072442/https://alumni.asu.edu/20191119-top-business-leaders-be-honored|url-status=dead}}

Warren began his college basketball playing days at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Quakers' 1981-82 Ivy League Championship team before playing for two years at GCU. At GCU, Warren scored 1,118 points and averaged 20.0 points per game, the fourth-best career scoring average in the school's history. In Warren's senior season of 1985–86, he averaged 23.3 points per game, which also ranks as the fourth-best season average in GCU basketball history. On November 17, 1984, Warren posted a 42-point performance against Concordia College. That performance is the fourth-highest single game scoring total in school history.

Warren earned GTE/CoSida Second Team Academic All-America honors as a senior, and added NAIA Academic All-America & NAIA District 7 Basketball Team honors as both a junior and senior. He posted a cumulative 3.49 GPA while at GCU.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|title=Minnesota Vikings: Kevin Warren|access-date=2017-02-26|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101163359/http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|url-status=dead}} In March, 2012, Warren was honored as the 16th individual, and the 5th member from the university's basketball team, to be inducted into the Grand Canyon University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Warren is licensed to practice law with the State Bars of Kansas and Michigan,{{Cite web|url=http://relationshipscience.com/kevin-f-warren-p3515351|title=Kevin F. Warren - Chief Operating Officer at Minnesota Vikings|website=relationshipscience.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-21}} and in Washington, D.C.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|title=Minnesota Vikings: Kevin Warren|access-date=2017-02-21|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101163359/http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://spokesman-recorder.com/2016/04/02/viking-exec-credits-success-strong-family-origins/|title=Viking exec credits his success to strong family origins|date=2016-04-02|website=MSR News Online|access-date=2017-02-21}}

Warren began his law career at Bond, Schoeneck & King in Overland Park, Kansas (1990–91). As an associate there, he received his first exposure to sports law. The firm specialized in representing universities that were charged with NCAA violations.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/baylor-proactively-hires-law-firm-to-hedge-against-ncaa-penn-state-repeat/|title=Baylor proactively hires law firm to hedge against NCAA-Penn State repeat|newspaper=CBSSports.com|access-date=2017-02-21|language=en}} While at the firm, Warren worked with former Southeastern Conference Commissioner, Michael Slive,{{Cite news|url=http://modern-counsel.com/2015/minnesota-vikings/|title=Tackling Transition|newspaper=Modern Counsel|access-date=2017-02-21|language=en-US}} and collegiate sports attorney Mike Glazier on many high-profile cases.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsk.com/people/mike-glazier/collegiate-sports|title=Mike Glazier|last=|first=|date=|website=Bond Schoeneck & King|access-date=21 February 2017}}

In 1991, while teaching a class at Notre Dame, Warren befriended All-American defensive lineman Chris Zorich.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawandpolitics.com/minnesota/Sweat-Suits/167ab6dd-04c8-4272-9742-3e1a3a7ea866.html |title=Sweat Suits :: Minnesota Law & Politics |date=2016-08-04 |access-date=2017-02-21 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804111615/http://www.lawandpolitics.com/minnesota/Sweat-Suits/167ab6dd-04c8-4272-9742-3e1a3a7ea866.html |archivedate=2016-08-04 }} In 1992, Warren established his own sports and entertainment agency, Kevin Warren & Associates in Overland Park, Kansas, with Zorich becoming his first client.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=1304664&privcapId=1276208|title=Kevin F. Warren: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=2017-02-21}} Warren also represented Hall of Fame Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/1997/09/01/newscolumn4.html|title=Wagstaff follows dad's lead|last=|first=|date=31 August 1997|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2017-02-21}} During his time in Kansas City, Warren also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

In 1997, Warren was hired by then St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil in a legal/front office position.{{Cite web|url=http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/04/30/In-Depth/Kevin-Warren.aspx|title=Sports Lawyers: Kevin Warren|last=|first=|date=|website=m.sportsbusinessdaily.com|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222200703/http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/04/30/In-Depth/Kevin-Warren.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawandpolitics.com/minnesota/Sweat-Suits/167ab6dd-04c8-4272-9742-3e1a3a7ea866.html |title=Sweat Suits :: Minnesota Law & Politics |date=2016-08-04 |access-date=2017-02-22 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804111615/http://www.lawandpolitics.com/minnesota/Sweat-Suits/167ab6dd-04c8-4272-9742-3e1a3a7ea866.html |archivedate=2016-08-04 }} Kevin Warren held the position of Vice President of Player Programs/Football Legal Counsel for the St. Louis Rams from 1997 to 2000 before his promotion to Vice President of Football Administration.{{Cite web|url=http://gculopes.com/news/2012/3/2/GEN_0302120259.aspx|title=Kevin Warren to be Inducted into GCU Athletics Hall of Fame Today|website=Grand Canyon University|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}} Working closely with Vermeil, Warren gained insight into how football operations functioned. Warren credits this experience for providing him with priceless knowledge and credits Coach Vermeil for providing him his big break into the NFL.{{Cite news|url=https://andscape.com/features/minnesota-vikings-coo-kevin-warren-to-be-honored-as-nfl-trailblazer/|title=Minnesota Vikings COO Kevin Warren to be honored as NFL trailblazer|last=Reid|first=Jason|date=2017-01-31|newspaper=Andscape|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en-US}} Warren earned a Super Bowl Ring with the Rams when they defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.{{Cite news|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20020930/AWARDS40/160909810/kevin-warren-38|title=Kevin Warren, 38|date=2002-09-30|newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en}} Vermeil praised Warren in 2012 as being "as critical and important a part of [the] Rams Super Bowl Championship team as anybody in [the] organization."{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-VP-Warren-To-Be-Inducted-Into-GCU-Athletics-Hall-Of-Fame/6f67f7e0-27cf-4672-9c13-fde98164b5bf|title=Vikings VP Warren To Be Inducted Into GCU Athletics Hall Of Fame|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101161840/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-VP-Warren-To-Be-Inducted-Into-GCU-Athletics-Hall-Of-Fame/6f67f7e0-27cf-4672-9c13-fde98164b5bf|url-status=dead}}

In 2001, Warren joined the Detroit Lions as the senior vice president of business operations and general counsel. During his stint with the Lions, Warren was recognized by Crain's Detroit Business on their "40 Under 40" list, which honored the top 40 Detroit business leaders under the age of 40.{{Cite web|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20020930/AWARDS40/160909810/kevin-warren-38|title=40 Under 40: 2002:Kevin Warren, 38|last=Dietderich|first=Andrew|date=30 September 2002|website=Crain's Detroit Business|access-date=21 February 2017}}

Following his time with the Lions, Warren returned to Phoenix where he worked for the international law firm Greenberg Traurig. In this role Warren represented the Wilf family and Minnesota Vikings ownership group in what became a successful $600 million deal to purchase the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=1304664&privcapId=1276208|title=Kevin F. Warren: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=2017-02-22}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/25_williamsb_vikingsale/|title=MPR: NFL owners approve Vikings sale to Wilf|last=Radio|first=Minnesota Public|website=news.minnesota.publicradio.org|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}} Zygi Wilf and five partners purchased the Minnesota Vikings from Red McCombs in 2005.{{Cite news|author=Borzi, Pat|title=Vikings' Owner Makes a Name for Himself|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/19/sports/football/19vikings.html|date=August 19, 2005|work=The New York Times|accessdate=2009-12-23}} Forbes estimated the 2019 value of the franchise at {{dollarsign|USD}}2.7 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/|title=Sports Money: 2019 NFL Team Valuations|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-12-11}}

Warren represented the Vikings' new ownership group in their purchase of the team. The Vikings then hired Warren as their executive vice president of legal affairs and chief administrative officer in 2005. In 2007, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell appointed Warren to the NFL's working group on emergency planning.{{cite magazine|url=http://law.marquette.edu/assets/sports-law/pdf/for-the-record/v18i3.pdf|title=Kevin Warren|page=11|date=July–September 2007 |magazine=For the Record|access-date=1 September 2023|volume=18|issue=3}} In September 2013, Warren was named a member of the NFL Committee on Workplace Diversity, which works to enhance and promote diversity at every level of the NFL.{{Cite web|url=http://www.law.miami.edu/faculty/kevin-warren|title=Kevin Warren {{!}} University of Miami School of Law|website=www.law.miami.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2016/05/kevin-warren-highest-ranking-black-nfl-executive-interview|title=Meet Kevin Warren, the Highest-Ranking Black Executive in the NFL|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}}

In February 2015, Warren was promoted to the role of chief operating officer. As COO, he oversaw all aspects of the business operations of the franchise. He restructured the management of the organization, which included creating new senior leadership positions, overseeing administration and finance, human resources, legal, marketing and fan engagement, and sales and corporate sponsorships. Warren also served as a member of the Vikings' internal stadium development team and represented the team at NFL meetings.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|title=Minnesota Vikings: Kevin Warren|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101163359/http://www.vikings.com/team/staff/kevin-warren/9670a586-5099-4576-967f-269260c0cbed|url-status=dead}}

As COO of the Minnesota Vikings, Warren oversaw the team's long-running quest for a new stadium, to be named U.S. Bank Stadium, the largest public/private construction project in Minnesota's history.{{Cite news|url=http://www.constructiondive.com/news/top-construction-projects-2016/432586/|title=The fab 5: Our picks for 2016's most noteworthy projects|work=Construction Dive|access-date=2017-03-02|language=en-US}} Warren was instrumental in selecting designers, developers, legal advisors and the Vikings' interim location for play, TCF Bank Stadium,{{Cite news|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/minnesota-vikings-university-minnesota-sign-multi-million-dollar-contract-use-tcf-ba/|title=Minnesota Vikings, University of Minnesota sign multi-million-dollar contract for use of TCF Bank Stadium|work=Twin Cities Daily Planet|access-date=2017-03-02|language=en-US}} while their new $1.13 billion stadium was under construction.{{Cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2016/08/27/nfl-minnesota-vikings-stadium/|title=5 Amazing Things About the Minnesota Vikings' New Stadium|website=Fortune|access-date=2017-03-02}} The Vikings began the 2016 NFL season in the new venue.{{Cite news|url=http://www.kare11.com/sports/nfl/vikings/new-era-of-football-tailgating-begins-at-us-bank-stadium/309788629|title=New era of football, tailgating begins at U.S. Bank Stadium|last=TEGNA|work=KARE|access-date=2017-03-02|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Even before construction was completed, U.S. Bank Stadium was awarded Super Bowl LII.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/may-21-minnesota-lands-2018-super-bowl/259968691/|title='Bold' bid lands 2018 Super Bowl for Minnesota|work=Star Tribune|access-date=2017-03-02}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10960506/minneapolis-awarded-2018-super-bowl-nfl-owners|title=Minneapolis awarded Super Bowl in 2018|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-03-02}}

Warren was also responsible for overseeing construction of the Vikings' new practice facility in Eagan, Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center, which opened in March 2018. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in June 2018 with attendees including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Twin Cities Orthopedics CEO Troy Simonson, and Governor Mark Dayton.{{Cite web|title=Goodell to attend ribbon-cutting of Vikings' new facility|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/NFL-commissioner-Roger-Goodell-to-attend-ribbon-cutting-of-Minnesota-Vikings-new-facility-118985413/|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Minnesota Vikings|language=en-US}} He was also responsible for negotiating the naming rights of the facility. The facility is only the first phase in a planned 200-acre development which is expected to include offices, retail, residential, hospitality, and a conference center. The Vikings' headquarters will be the development's anchor.{{Cite news|url=http://www.beckersspine.com/sports-medicine/item/34702-twin-cities-orthopedics-performance-center-construction-on-pace-set-to-open-march-2018.html|title=Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center construction on pace — set to open March 2018|last=Oliver|first=Eric|access-date=2017-03-02|language=en-gb}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/Walls-Going-Up-At-The-TCO-Performance-Center/4c5baf88-2636-4fda-be29-34b063a6985d|title=Walls Going Up At The TCO Performance Center|access-date=2017-03-02|archive-date=2017-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302195952/http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/Walls-Going-Up-At-The-TCO-Performance-Center/4c5baf88-2636-4fda-be29-34b063a6985d|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-vikings-headquarters-twin-cities-orthopedics-performance-center-080216|title=Vikings partner with Twin Cities Orthopedics for new HQ {{!}} FOX Sports|date=2016-08-02|work=FOX Sports|access-date=2017-03-02|language=en-US}}

Kevin Warren was named Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference on June 4, 2019. Warren followed Jim Delany as the 6th Big Ten commissioner and was the first African-American leader of the Big Ten and also the first African-American leader of any of the Power Five conferences. He assumed Big Ten Commissioner-Elect duties in September 2019 and officially assumed the position of Commissioner in January 2020. Under Warren's oversight, the Big Ten persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and he expanded the conference with the future additions of USC and UCLA starting with the 2024 season, with Washington and Oregon later following suit after his tenure as Commissioner ended.{{cite web | url=https://uclabruins.com/news/2022/6/30/bruin-athletics-ucla-to-join-big-ten-conference-at-start-of-2024-25-season.aspx | title=UCLA to Join Big Ten Conference at Start of 2024-25 Season | date=30 June 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://usctrojans.com/news/2022/6/30/usc-to-make-historic-move-to-big-ten-conference-in-2024.aspx | title=USC to Make Historic Move to Big Ten Conference in 2024 | date=31 May 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34297535/big-ten-expand-additions-usc-ucla-says-commissioner-kevin-warren-adds-additional-value-conference | title=Warren: Big Ten may expand beyond USC, UCLA | date=26 July 2022 }} Not long after USC and UCLA's announcement that they would be joining the conference, he oversaw the Big Ten's signing of a new seven-year media rights deal with NBC, Fox, and CBS, estimated to be worth at least $7 billion.

On January 12, 2023, Warren was named the new team president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Bears.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35431983/sources-chicago-bears-hire-kevin-warren-president-ceo?platform=amp|first=Courtney|last=Cronin|title=Chicago Bears hire Big Ten's Kevin Warren as president, CEO|website=ESPN.com|date=12 January 2023 }}

Warren has won the Fritz Pollard Alliance Salute to Excellence Award following 4 different NFL seasons.{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2016/01/07/vikings-defensive-coordinator-george-edwards-one-six-candidates-recommended-fritz-pollard-alliance-nfl-head-coach/|title=» Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards among six recommended by Fritz Pollard Alliance to be NFL head coach|website=TwinCities.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-22}}{{Cite web|url=http://flea-flicker-blog.blogspot.com/2013/02/fritz-pollard-alliance-awards.html|title=Flea Flicker: Fritz Pollard Alliance Awards|date=2013-02-05|website=Flea Flicker|access-date=2017-02-22}}{{Cite news|url=http://kut.org/post/11th-annual-johnnie-l-cochran-jr-salute-excellence-awards|title=The 11th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards|last=Hanson|first=John L. Jr.|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en}} The Twin Cities Business Journal recognized Warren as a Minority Business Leader in 2006 and honored him with the Corporate Counsel Award for Private Company-Large in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/print-edition/2015/04/24/corporate-counsel-2015-kevin-warren-minnesota.html|title=Corporate Counsel 2015: Kevin Warren, Minnesota Vikings|last=Fure|first=Jon|date=24 April 2015|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2017-02-22}} In 2017, on the eve of Super Bowl LI, Warren was presented with the inaugural Texas Southern University Pioneer Award.{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/vikings-coo-kevin-warren-earns-texas-southern-university-pioneer-award-020517|title=Vikings COO Kevin Warren earns Texas Southern University Pioneer Award {{!}} FOX Sports|date=2017-02-05|newspaper=FOX Sports|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en-US}} In 2019, Warren received GENYOUth's Vanguard award presented by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and GENYOUth Founder Alexis Glick.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/41368653/the-fourth-annual-genyouth-galabration-celebrates-those-who-rise-by-lifting-others|title=Rise by Lifting Others {{!}} WBOC|date=2019|newspaper=WBOC|access-date=2019-12-11|language=en-US|archive-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211072444/http://www.wboc.com/story/41368653/the-fourth-annual-genyouth-galabration-celebrates-those-who-rise-by-lifting-others|url-status=dead}} Warren also received the Trailblazer Award at the Minnesota Sports Awards for his work with the Minnesota Vikings and his upcoming role as Big Ten commissioner.{{Cite news|url=https://www.minneapolis.org/sports-minneapolis/events/minnesota-sports-awards/|title=Minnesota Sports Awards {{!}} |date=2019|newspaper=SportsMinneapolis|access-date=2019-12-11|language=en-US}} In December 2019, Warren was featured on the cover of Sports Business Journal alongside Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Adam Silver where he received the honor of "Best Hire" of the year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2019/12/16.aspx|title=Year End Awards {{!}} SBJ|date=2019|newspaper=Sports Business Journal|access-date=2019-12-26|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2019/12/16/Year-End-Awards/Hire.aspx|title=Best Hire: Kevin Warren|last=Smith|first=Michael|access-date=2019-12-26|language=en}}

His professional associations include: serving as a member of the board of directors of Grand Canyon Education, Inc.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2012/09/17/grand-canyon-university-board-adds.html|title=Grand Canyon University board adds Minnesota Vikings executive|last=Gonzales|first=Angela|date=17 September 2012|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2017-02-22}} and the board of trustees of Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bluecrossmn.com/healthy/public/personal/home/about-us/board-of-trustees|title=Board of Trustees {{!}} Board of Trustees {{!}} Blue Cross MN|website=www.bluecrossmn.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}} He is also member of the Notre Dame Law School Advisory Council.{{Cite news|url=https://www.northwesternmutual.com/live-life-differently/inspiring-stories/2016/08/how-kevin-warren-manages-and-makes-history-in-the-nfl|title=How Kevin Warren Manages and Makes History in the NFL|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en-US|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222193935/https://www.northwesternmutual.com/live-life-differently/inspiring-stories/2016/08/how-kevin-warren-manages-and-makes-history-in-the-nfl|url-status=dead}} In March 2016, Warren was appointed by University of Minnesota President Eric W. Kaler to serve as a member of the selection committee for the role of athletic director.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/kaler-to-announce-next-steps-in-gophers-athletic-director-search/373230221/|title=Gophers athletes, Twin Cities business leaders will help lead AD search|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223041717/http://www.startribune.com/kaler-to-announce-next-steps-in-gophers-athletic-director-search/373230221/|url-status=dead}} His civic roles include being on the General Board of the YMCA of the Twin Cities;{{Cite web|url=https://www.ymcamn.org/node/2491|title=Board of Directors {{!}} YMCA Twin Cities|website=YMCA Twin Cities|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} the board of directors for the Page Education Foundation;{{Cite news|url=http://neuger.com/news/2016/05/speakers-announced-for-common-good-breakfast-series-inspirational-leadership-on-june-23/|title=Speakers Announced for Common Good Breakfast Series: "Inspirational Leadership" on June 23|newspaper=Neuger Communications Group|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2017-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222200015/http://neuger.com/news/2016/05/speakers-announced-for-common-good-breakfast-series-inspirational-leadership-on-june-23/|url-status=dead}} the University of Minnesota's Medical Foundation Board of Directors, and U of M's Medicine and Health Board of Overseers.{{Cite news|url=http://give.umn.edu/about/board|title=Board of Trustees|last=lijew007|date=2014-08-01|newspaper=UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION|access-date=2017-02-22|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://relationshipscience.com/kevin-f-warren-p3515351|title=Kevin F. Warren - Chief Operating Officer at Minnesota Vikings|website=relationshipscience.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-22}} Warren is a life member of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors. In addition, Warren is a member of the 2016-2017 Board of Trustees for the Minneapolis Institute of Art.{{cite web|title=Board of Trustees - Minneapolis Institute of Art|url=https://new.artsmia.org/about/museum-info/board-of-trustees/|website=artsmia.org|publisher=Minneapolis Institute of Art|accessdate=15 March 2017}} Warren previously served as a board member on the board of directors of Securian Financial Group.{{cite web|title=Board of Trustees - Ben Fowke, Kevin Warren join Security Financial Board of Directors|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/ben-fowke-kevin-warren-join-securian-financial-board-of-directors-2018-06-28|publisher=MarketWatch|accessdate=29 March 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329060648/https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/ben-fowke-kevin-warren-join-securian-financial-board-of-directors-2018-06-28|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, Warren and his wife Greta created Carolyn's Comforts, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, donating $1 million to honor the legacy of his sister Carolyn Elaine Warren-Knox who died of brain cancer in October 2014. Since the inception of Carolyn's Comforts, over 150 financial grants have been made to families in need.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Kevin-Warren-Hosts-Christmas-Day-Meal-at-U-of-M-Masonic-Childrens-Hospital/93be23a1-215b-4356-a149-d65a0fc1ead2|title=Kevin Warren Hosts Christmas Day Meal at U of M Masonic Children's Hospital|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2017-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222201049/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Kevin-Warren-Hosts-Christmas-Day-Meal-at-U-of-M-Masonic-Childrens-Hospital/93be23a1-215b-4356-a149-d65a0fc1ead2|url-status=dead}}

Warren and his wife Greta have also "adopted" Lucy Craft Laney Community School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.{{Cite web|url=http://www.twincities.com/2013/12/04/caryn-sullivan-kevin-warrens-halftime-reflections/|title=Caryn Sullivan: Kevin Warren's halftime reflections – Twin Cities|date=4 December 2013|access-date=2017-02-22}} For each of the past 5 years, the Warrens have donated thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to the student body.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/photo-gallery/Kevin-Warren-and-Family-Donate-900-Backpacks-to-Lucy-Craft-Laney-School/1d57e6c3-0c1a-4659-801f-11491f140f5a|title=Kevin Warren and Family Donate 900 Backpacks to Lucy Craft Laney School|access-date=2017-02-22}} Among the resources they have contributed are school supplies, school uniforms, and athletic uniforms.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikings.com/news/blog/article-1/Vikings-VP-Kevin-Warren-and-Wife-Greta-Adopt-Lucy-Craft-Laney-School-For-Second-Consecutive-Year/c024cea2-2254-4cb3-aea4-12ef58d00535|title=Vikings VP Kevin Warren and Wife, Greta, "Adopt" Lucy Craft Laney School For Second Consecutive Year|access-date=2017-02-22|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101163104/http://www.vikings.com/news/blog/article-1/Vikings-VP-Kevin-Warren-and-Wife-Greta-Adopt-Lucy-Craft-Laney-School-For-Second-Consecutive-Year/c024cea2-2254-4cb3-aea4-12ef58d00535|url-status=dead}}

Kevin Warren and his wife Greta were married in 1992.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yMEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA31|title=Jet|date=1992-08-03|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|language=en}} Greta holds a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University. Together, the couple have a daughter, Peri, and a son, Powers. Powers played football at IMG Academy {{Cite web|url=https://www.djournal.com/sports/msus-warren-waited-for-right-opportunity/article_0a8770f5-217c-5392-ba7f-be07726e9117.html|title = MSU's Warren waited for right opportunity| date=10 August 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/5/16/22439048/michigan-state-lands-mississippi-state-transfer-tight-end-powers-warren|title=Michigan State lands Mississippi State transfer tight end Powers Warren|date=16 May 2021}} and finished his career as a tight end at Michigan State, after transferring from Mississippi State following his graduation in May 2021. The family resides in the greater Chicago area.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/big-ten-officially-names-vikings-kevin-warren-next-commissioner/510812862/|title=Big Ten officially names Vikings' Kevin Warren next commissioner|access-date=2019-12-19|language=en-US}} Warren is a Christian.{{cite web |last1=Mercer |first1=Kevin |title=Bears CEO Kevin Warren wins Uncommon Award as he strives to 'put the Lord first' |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2023/04/17/bears-ceo-kevin-warren-uncommon-award-lord-first/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=17 April 2023 |access-date=23 April 2023}}

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