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 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.

Those who had been a part of his remarkable journey through the league praised him as much for his conduct off the field as his considerable accomplishments on it.

“I have had the privilege to watch and compete against Kurt for the last 12 years, beginning in 1998 in NFL Europe,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “I have always admired Kurt for his athletic talents, but more so for what he stood for. His faith in Christ and his character as a man are tremendous examples to all of us.”

Fellow players spoke their admiration for the quarterback who 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 great player and a great person,” Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “… The way he handled himself and carried himself and what he does off the field is as much a part of who he is as a football player. That’s the highest complement you can give Kurt — he’s as good or better as a person than he is as a player, and he’s a heck of a player.”

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

Warner knows what he wants his legacy to be.

“It’s not the way I threw the football, it’s not particular games that I won, but that they remember that here’s a guy that believed, that worked hard,” he said. “Although things didn’t always go in his favor, he continued to press through, and with his faith in himself and his faith in God, he was able to accomplish great things.”