DeMarcus Ware’s time has come, he said. The veteran linebacker announced Monday on Twitter that he will retire from the NFL after 12 seasons, citing his “long-term health.”
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to accept the unknown and retire from my NFL career,” he wrote next to a split image of him with the Cowboys and Broncos. “Tempting opportunities still present themselves for me to play and I feel better than I have in years. However, long-term health and quality of life outweigh the spark and passion to play that I once had.
“With that, I take this opportunity to thank all of the people in my life who had a hand in molding me into a great player and the God fearing man I am today. I thank the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos for opportunities to experience what greatness feels like.”
It's time …. pic.twitter.com/qlXpcNn12b
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 13, 2017
Ware, a Bronco for the past three seasons and a Cowboy the previous nine, ends his career ranked No. 8 on the NFL’s all-time sack list with 138.5.
The Broncos captain and member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade team was signed as a free agent as one of the key pieces of John Elway’s defensive overhaul in 2014. The Broncos hoped he would again be a force off the edge — he was — and not only team with fellow linebacker Von Miller, but help to mold him, too.
“DeMarcus was a great role model for Von,” Elway told The Denver Post last summer. “We knew what Von could do and we knew the physical talent he had. Obviously, he had some bumps in the road there, but that’s going to happen to some guys. They’re young. So I think DeMarcus was a guy we thought, no question, would be a great role model for Von to get him to see what it takes to be great, what it takes to be a leader and start creating that legacy for Von.”
In his three seasons in Denver, Ware, 34, totaled 81 tackles and 21.5 sacks while earning his eighth and ninth Pro Bowl selections (2014, ’15). He also earned a prize that had eluded him for 10 years: a Super Bowl ring.
But as he racked up sacks and helped the Broncos’ defense become a two-time leader in fewest passing yards allowed, Ware also racked up injuries. In 2015, he missed five games because of a back injury. In 2016, he missed six games because of a fractured forearm suffered early in the season as well as continued back problems.
Ware was placed on injured reserve before the 2016 season finale to undergo surgery for a ruptured disc. After, he said he fully intended to return for a 13th season,. His destination remained unknown, however, as an unrestricted free agent.
Monday, after announcing his retirement, Ware received an outpouring of support from former teammates and coaches, as well as opponents.
The Broncos simply said: “See you in Canton.” The Cowboys thanked him.
Former Broncos and current Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips tweeted: “D-Ware–a true football legend-a privilege to have been with him–HOF on and off the field–Congrats on your career! Luv U. Coach Wade.”
In a statement, Elway added: “When DeMarcus became a Bronco three years ago, he was a big piece that helped get us over the top — an elite pass rusher who brought much-needed leadership to our entire team. DeMarcus joined the Broncos on a mission to win a World Championship. When you look at how he played during our Super Bowl 50 run, you saw how much he wanted to win a Super Bowl and how he helped lift our team to a World Championship by coming up big in key moments, especially in the playoffs.”
Peyton Manning said: “It was an honor to call DeMarcus a teammate and a friend. I just know he’ll be a great success in his post-playing days. I wish him all the best. He truly is one of a kind.”
Miller posted a message on Instagram that read: “Congrats on a hall of fame career! You are legendary! You helped me become the player/person I am today. God brought you into my life when I need you the most! I got to witness greatness, I had an opportunity to see what it takes to be legend! Thanks for everything brother!”
And former Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak added: “DeMarcus was one of the great players in this league for many years and one of the finest human beings you’ll ever come across. He was a once-in-a-generation player who will go down as one of the all-time great pass rushers in NFL history. Just as important, he showed so much class and leadership with everything he did on and off the field.”
Few were as respected by opponents and as beloved by teammates as Ware. In announcing his farewell, Ware thanked those who supported him and said he begins the “journey to my next destination.”
One of his stops en route surely includes the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7),” he wrote.
DeMarcus Ware’s career sacks by quarterback
(Figures in Italics include playoff totals)
| Quarterback | Sacks |
| Eli Manning | 14.5 |
| Donovan McNabb | 8.5 |
| Alex Smith | 7 |
| Michael Vick | 6.5 |
| Rex Grossman | 6 |
| Drew Brees | 5 |
| Tom Brady | 4.5 |
| Marc Bulger | 4 |
| Matt Hasselbeck | 4 |
| Kevin Kolb | 4 |
| Aaron Rodgers | 4 |
| Cam Newton | 4 |
| Matt Ryan | 3.5 |
| Brett Favre | 3 |
| Josh Freeman | 3 |
| Colin Kaepernick | 3 |
| Jon Kitna | 3 |
| Jason Campbell | 3 |
| Jake Delhomme | 3 |
| Joe Flacco | 3 |
| Matt Schaub | 3 |
| Andrew Luck | 3 |
| Ben Roethlisberger | 2.5 |
| Shaun Hill | 2.5 |
| Matt Moore | 2 |
| Mark Sanchez | 2 |
| Vince Young | 2 |
| Mark Brunell | 2 |
| Matt Cassel | 2 |
| Sam Bradford | 2 |
| Matthew Stafford | 1.5 |
| Trent Edwards | 1.5 |
| Kerry Collins | 1 |
| Todd Collins | 1 |
| Jay Cutler | 1 |
| Andy Dalton | 1 |
| Jay Feeley | 1 |
| Philip Rivers | 1 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | 1 |
| Jeff Garcia | 1 |
| Bruce Gradkowski | 1 |
| Kurt Warner | 1 |
| Matt Leinart | 1 |
| Peyton Manning | 1 |
| Jamie Martin | 1 |
| Josh McCown | 1 |
| Carson Palmer | 1 |
| Tim Rattay | 1 |
| John Skelton | 1 |
| Geno Smith | 1 |
| Russell Wilson | 1 |
| Derek Anderson | 1 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | 1 |
| Marcus Mariota | 1 |
| Brandon Weeden | 0.5 |
| Nick Foles | 0.5 |
| Logan Thomas | 0.5 |
Top 10 NFL career sack leaders
| Rank | Player | Sacks | Years |
| 1 | Bruce Smith* | 200.0 | 1985-2003 |
| 2 | Reggie White* | 198.0 | 1985-2000 |
| 3 | Kevin Greene* | 160.0 | 1985-1999 |
| 4 | Chris Doleman* | 150.5 | 1985-1999 |
| 5 | Julius Peppers | 143.5 | 2002-2016 |
| 6 | Michael Strahan* | 141.5 | 1993-2007 |
| 7 | Jason Taylor* | 139.5 | 1997-2011 |
| 8 | DeMarcus Ware | 138.5 | 2005-2016 |
| 9T | John Randle* | 137.5 | 1990-2003 |
| 9T | Richard Dent* | 137.5 | 1983-1997 |
* denotes player is in Pro Football Hall of Fame
