Born in Auburn, Alabama, on July 31, 1982, DeMarcus Ware initially shied away from football due to his fear of getting hit. At Auburn High School, you’d find him excelling in basketball, baseball, and track before he finally confronted his fears by challenging the biggest player on his football team during his junior year.
His diverse athletic background proved priceless when he arrived at Troy University, where he’d become a defensive powerhouse. As a sophomore, he racked up 72 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss, earning a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection.
His dominance continued as he collected Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors and became a Hendricks Award finalist. These achievements caught the Dallas Cowboys’ attention, leading to his selection as the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He would later play alongside Emmitt Smith’s successor, Dak Prescott, who broke numerous rookie quarterback records with the Cowboys.
Image: Jeffrey Beall, DeMarcus Ware, CC BY 3.0
The Rise at Troy University
While Troy University’s move to FBS football marked a significant change in 2001, DeMarcus Ware‘s emergence as a defensive force helped define the program’s success. During his college football career, you’ll find that Ware dominated opposing offenses, setting Troy’s all-time record with 55.5 tackles for loss and recording 27 sacks for 198 yards.
His impact on Troy’s defensive unit became even more evident when he:
- Ranked 5th on the team with 72 tackles in 2002
- Formed an unstoppable duo with Osi Umenyiora in 2003
- Led the defensive charge with a combined 25 sacks and 40 tackles for loss alongside Umenyiora
Ware’s exceptional performance during Troy’s progression to FBS helped establish the program as a legitimate competitor at the highest level of college football. His outstanding achievements culminated in earning the Sun Belt Conference honors and being named Defensive League Player of the Year.
Cowboys Dynasty Years (2005-2013)
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After joining the Dallas Cowboys as a first-round draft pick in 2005, DeMarcus Ware quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players. His impact was immediate, as he won Defensive Rookie of the Month in October and tied the Cowboys’ single-game sack record with three takedowns.
Under Wade Phillips’ defense, Ware’s career soared to new heights. He’d break the Cowboys’ linebacker sack record with 11.5 in 2006, then earn back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2007-2008. His 2008 season was historic, setting the franchise record with 20 sacks.
His dominance in Dallas paralleled the rise of the Dallas Mavericks dynasty, which saw the NBA team reach their first Finals appearance in 2006.
Super Bowl Glory With Denver
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DeMarcus Ware’s next chapter began when he signed with the Denver Broncos in 2014, inking a three-year, $30 million contract. The star defensive end proved he still had plenty left in the tank, earning a Pro Bowl selection in his first season with Denver.
His most memorable achievements with the Broncos include:
- Leading the team to a Super Bowl 50 victory
- Recording two pivotal sacks in the championship game
- Making an immediate impact on Denver’s defensive lineup
After struggling with a back surgery that limited him to just 10 games in 2016, you’d see Ware wrap up his illustrious 12 seasons in the NFL. Though he earned his Super Bowl ring with the Broncos, Ware’s heart remained with the Dallas Cowboys, where he signed a one-day contract to officially retire in April 2017. His retirement came around the same time as Jason Witten’s first retirement, who would later join ESPN as an analyst.
Breaking Records and Setting Standards
Throughout his exceptional career, Ware consistently shattered defensive records and raised the bar for NFL pass rushers. In 2008, he dominated the league with 20 sacks, setting a Cowboys’ single-season record that still stands today. This extraordinary achievement ranks as the fourth-highest single-season total in NFL history.
Ware’s name atop the Dallas record books, as he surpassed Harvey Martin’s mark of 114 sacks to become the team’s all-time leader in 2013. His prowess as a defensive end was further proven when he led the NFL in sacks again in 2010 with 15.5, followed by an impressive 19.5 sacks in 2011. By the time he retired, Ware had amassed 138.5 career sacks, placing him 13th on the NFL’s all-time list.
Legacy and Hall of Fame Impact
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The 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony marked the pinnacle of Ware’s legendary career, cementing his status among football’s immortals. The fearsome pass rusher’s legacy with the Dallas Cowboys extends far beyond his 9 Pro Bowl selections and 4 All-Pro nods.
You’ll recognize Ware’s enduring impact through these defining achievements:
- Set the Cowboys’ all-time record with 117 sacks, showcasing his dominance as a defensive end
- Demonstrated phenomenal perseverance by overcoming early career challenges and injuries to become one of the NFL’s elite defenders
- Established a leadership standard that continues to influence the Cowboys’ defensive culture today
Final Thoughts
His ability to change the course of a game, his leadership, and his relentless drive made him one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. From his dominance with the Cowboys to his Super Bowl victory with the Broncos, he left an unforgettable mark on the game. His impact goes beyond statistics, influencing the next generation of pass rushers and setting the standard for excellence.
