Warner says it's a wrap
TEMPE, Ariz. — Kurt Warner left the NFL on his terms, knowing he could still play at the highest level.
His announced retirement from the game has been met with widespread recognition of a potential Hall of Famer who found success the hard way — first early with the St. Louis Rams, then at the end with the Arizona Cardinals.
The 38-year-old quarterback left Friday, thanking God, his family and the teams and coaches that gave him a chance in a 12-year career that saw him benched at least four times only to finish as a prolific winner.
Warner had to work his way from stocking grocery shelves to the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before getting an opportunity in St. Louis only because Trent Green was injured.
"A man of deep faith who carried a Bible to each postgame news conference, Warned walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level.
"It's been an amazing ride," Warner said. "I don't think I could have dreamt it would have played out like it has, but I've been humbled every day that I woke up the last 12 years and amazed that God would choose to use me to do what he's given me the opportunity to do."
Warner had one of the greatest postseason performances ever in Arizona's 51-45 overtime wild card victory over Green Bay on Jan. 10, with more touchdown passes (five) than he had incompletions (four) but sustained a brutal hit in the Cardinals' 45-14 divisional round loss at New Orleans six days later.
Blessed with an uncanny throwing accuracy and a knack for reading defenses, Warner leaves the game with three Super Bowl appearances, two league MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP nod. He has the three best Super Bowl performances in terms of yards passing.
