Demarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware is a retired professional football player and Hall of Famer originally from Alabama. He spent 12 seasons in the National Football League playing as a Linebacker and Defensive End. He has played for the Dallas Cowboys for 9 seasons.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

DeMarcus Omar Ware was born on July 31, 1982, in Auburn, Alabama, USA. The Linebacker stands 193 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 117 kg.

He attended Auburn High School in his hometown, where he was a multi-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Following graduation, Ware committed to play for Troy State University from 2001 to 2004. During his time with the Trojans, he was a dominant defensive force, earning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior and finishing his collegiate career setting school records for tackles for loss and ranking second all-time in sacks.

Professional Career

He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys during the 2005 NFL Draft. They picked him in round 1 and he was the 11th overall selection.

During his professional career, Ware established himself as a premier pass rusher and a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense. Over nine seasons in Dallas, he earned numerous accolades, including four First-team All-Pro nods, and led the NFL in sacks twice (2008, 2010).

His 20-sack campaign in 2008 remains tied for one of the best single seasons in league history. He departed Dallas in 2013 as the franchise's all-time leader in sacks with 117.

In 2014, Ware signed with the Denver Broncos. He provided crucial veteran leadership and elite edge rushing, ultimately helping lead the Broncos' legendary defense to a victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

After three seasons in Denver, he announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016, returning to Dallas in 2017 to sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a Cowboy.

In 2018, he briefly returned to the Broncos to serve as a pass-rush consultant.

Ware was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2023.

Career Highlights:

• 2023 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2016 – Super Bowl champion (50)
• 2007–2009, 2011 – 4× First-team All-Pro
• 2006, 2010, 2012 – 3× Second-team All-Pro
• 2006–2012, 2014, 2015 – 9× Pro Bowl
• 2008, 2010 – 2× NFL sacks leader
• 2000s – NFL All-Decade Team
• Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
• 2004 – Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year