DeMarcus Ware is a former American football linebacker who played in the NFL for 12 seasons. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005, he became their all-time sack leader. In 2013, he joined the Denver Broncos and won Super Bowl 50. Ware retired in 2017 as a Cowboy and later served as a consultant for the Broncos. In 2023, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
July 31, 1982: DeMarcus Ware's Birth
On July 31, 1982, DeMarcus Omar Ware was born. This marks the beginning of his journey to becoming a celebrated figure in American football.
1983: Anthony Dickerson's Sack Record
In 1983, Anthony Dickerson set a Dallas Cowboys record for most sacks by a linebacker in a single season with 10.5 sacks.
1983: Mark Gastineau's Back-to-Back Sack Title
Mark Gastineau led the NFL in sacks in 1983 and 1984, showcasing his dominance as a pass rusher.
1986: Jim Jeffcoat's Impressive Season
In 1986, Jim Jeffcoat achieved a notable feat as a Dallas Cowboy by recording at least 14 sacks in a single season.
1987: Reggie White's Consecutive Sack Title
Reggie White asserted his dominance as a pass rusher by leading the NFL in sacks for two consecutive seasons, 1987 and 1988.
1994: Kevin Greene's First Sack Title
Kevin Greene captured his first NFL sack title in 1994, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback.
1996: Kevin Greene's Second Sack Title
Kevin Greene achieved his second NFL sack title in 1996, solidifying his reputation as a premier pass rusher.
2001: Michael Strahan's First Sack Title
Michael Strahan's dominance on the defensive line was evident in 2001 when he earned his first NFL sack title.
2003: Michael Strahan's Second Sack Title
Michael Strahan secured his second NFL sack title in 2003, proving his consistency as one of the league's best pass rushers.
2004: Dominant Senior Year at Troy University
DeMarcus Ware's exceptional senior year at Troy University in 2004 saw him win the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and become a finalist for the prestigious Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in college football. His performance helped lead the Trojans to their first-ever bowl game, the Silicon Valley Football Classic.
March 2005: Marriage to Taniqua Smith
In March 2005, DeMarcus Ware married his high school sweetheart, Taniqua Smith.
2005: NFL Draft Selection by Dallas Cowboys
In 2005, DeMarcus Ware was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round as the 11th overall pick, setting the stage for his illustrious NFL career.
2005: Pre-Draft Scouting and Selection
Leading up to the 2005 NFL Draft, DeMarcus Ware was evaluated as a "tweener DE/OLB prospect." Although projected as an early second-round pick, the Dallas Cowboys, despite initially considering Marcus Spears, selected Ware 11th overall, prioritizing his potential in their future defensive schemes.
2006: Breakthrough Season and Pro Bowl Selection
DeMarcus Ware had a breakout year in 2006, setting a new Cowboys record for most sacks by a linebacker with 11.5, surpassing Anthony Dickerson's 1983 record. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, highlighted by a memorable 69-yard fumble return touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles and his first career interception, returned for a touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons.
2006: Birth and Passing of Son, Omar
DeMarcus and Taniqua Ware experienced the joy of welcoming their son, Omar, in 2006. Tragically, Omar passed away shortly after birth.
2007: Dominant Performance and All-Pro Recognition
DeMarcus Ware continued his impressive trajectory in 2007, earning praise from head coach Wade Phillips. He became the second Cowboy, after Jim Jeffcoat in 1986, to record at least 14 sacks in a season. This performance led to his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and his second straight All-Pro team selection.
2007: Top Sack Rankings
DeMarcus Ware finished third in the league in total sacks in 2007.
2007: Jared Allen's First NFL Sack Title
Jared Allen emerged as a force to be reckoned with, leading the NFL in sacks for the first time in his career in 2007.
2008: Top Sack Rankings
DeMarcus Ware finished first in the league in total sacks in 2008.
2008: NFL Sack Leader
DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks in 2008.
2008: Record-Breaking Season and NFL Sack Leader
DeMarcus Ware's exceptional performance in 2008 saw him tie Simon Fletcher's NFL record for recording a sack in ten consecutive games. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his three-sack performance against the New York Giants. Ware achieved a career-high and league-leading 20 sacks, earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, the NFC Defensive Player of the Year award, and his first Butkus Award.
2009: Top Sack Rankings
DeMarcus Ware finished seventh in the league in total sacks in 2009.
2009: Contract Extension, Neck Injury, and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2009, DeMarcus Ware signed a lucrative six-year, $78 million contract extension with the Cowboys. However, he also dealt with a sprained neck that caused him to be carted off the field during a game. Despite the injury, he returned the following week to help the Cowboys defeat the then-undefeated New Orleans Saints, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He finished the season with 11 sacks and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
2010: Top Sack Rankings
DeMarcus Ware finished first in the league in total sacks in 2010.
2010: NFL Sack Leader
DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks in 2010.
2010: Birth of Son, DeMarcus Ware II
DeMarcus and Taniqua Ware welcomed their son, DeMarcus Ware II, in 2010.
2011: Multiple Achievements and Second NFL Sack Title
DeMarcus Ware's strong performance in 2011 earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his three-sack game against the Houston Texans. He led the NFL in sacks for the second time in three seasons with 15.5, tying the record for most seasons leading the league in sacks with two (Gastineau, White, Greene, Strahan, and Allen). His performance earned him his fifth straight Pro Bowl selection and a ranking of 12th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.
2011: Impressive Performance and Pro Bowl Selection
DeMarcus Ware maintained his high level of play in 2011, finishing the season with an impressive 19.5 sacks, 47 tackles, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. His performance earned him a starting spot in the 2012 Pro Bowl and a place on the All-Pro team.
2011: Top Sack Rankings
DeMarcus Ware finished second in the league in total sacks in 2011.
2012: Consecutive Seasons with 10+ Sacks
By the end of the 2012 season, DeMarcus Ware had achieved an impressive feat: recording 10 or more sacks in seven consecutive seasons.
2012: 100 Sack Milestone, Pro Bowl, and Injuries
DeMarcus Ware achieved a significant milestone in 2012 by reaching 100 career sacks, becoming the second-fastest player to do so. He continued to earn accolades with his seventh Pro Bowl selection and a Second-team All-Pro selection. However, he also battled through injuries, including a torn hamstring, a fractured wrist, and a torn labrum, which required off-season surgery and affected his performance.
2012: Divorce from Taniqua Smith
DeMarcus Ware and Taniqua Smith divorced in 2012.
2012: Recognition and Top Player Ranking
DeMarcus Ware's consistent excellence earned him recognition as one of the NFL's top players, as he was ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012 list.
2012: Induction into Troy University Sports Hall of Fame
DeMarcus Ware's contributions to Troy University's football program were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame.
2012: High Rankings and Recognition
In 2012, DeMarcus Ware received high praise from various analysts and rankings: - Pete Prisco of CBS Sports ranked him as the third-best player in the NFL, trailing only Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, and the league's best defensive player. - NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah placed him as the top edge pass rusher and a top-five player overall. - The NFL Top 100 for 2012 recognized him as the best rusher, best linebacker, second-best defensive player behind Darrelle Revis, and the sixth-best player in the NFL.
2013: Top Player Ranking and Continued Injury Challenges
Despite the injuries he faced in 2012, DeMarcus Ware's reputation as a dominant defender remained strong, as he was ranked 12th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013 list.
2013: Departure from Dallas Cowboys
In 2013, DeMarcus Ware left the Dallas Cowboys after nine seasons, concluding his tenure as the franchise's all-time leader with 117 quarterback sacks.
2013: Dallas Cowboys Position Change and Milestones
In 2013, DeMarcus Ware transitioned to defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. This move aligned him with Anthony Spencer, who also shifted from linebacker to defensive end. In the season opener against the New York Giants, Ware intercepted Eli Manning, contributing to a 36-31 victory. By Week 3, he surpassed Harvey Martin's long-standing record to become the Cowboys' all-time sack leader.
March 11, 2014: Released by the Dallas Cowboys
After nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware was released on March 11, 2014. This marked the first time in his career that he became a free agent.
March 12, 2014: Signing with the Denver Broncos
On March 12, 2014, just one day after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Denver Broncos. The deal included $20 million in guaranteed money.
2014: NFL Top 100 Ranking
DeMarcus Ware was ranked 56th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
2014: Induction into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame
In 2014, DeMarcus Ware received further recognition for his college football prowess with his induction into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.
2015: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking
DeMarcus Ware was selected for the Pro Bowl following the 2015 season, his first with the Denver Broncos. He was also ranked 87th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.
2015: Denver Broncos Defensive Dominance and Accolades
The 2015 season saw DeMarcus Ware reunite with his former head coach, Wade Phillips, who took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. The team boasted the league's top-ranked defense and achieved a 12-4 record. Despite missing five games due to injury, Ware made a significant impact, recording 25 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 11 appearances. His exceptional performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in September.
February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Victory and NFL Top 100 Ranking
On February 7, 2016, DeMarcus Ware achieved a career milestone by winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. In a dominant performance, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Ware played a crucial role in the victory, contributing five tackles and two sacks. This triumph marked his first Super Bowl victory and solidified his legacy as one of the league's most formidable defensive players. His outstanding performance throughout the season earned him a ranking of 36th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016, as voted by his peers.
April 19, 2016: DeMarcus Ware Day
On April 19, 2016, the governor of Alabama declared April 19 "DeMarcus Ware Day" to honor his accomplishments and contributions.
December 28, 2016: Season-Ending Back Surgery
DeMarcus Ware underwent season-ending back surgery on December 28, 2016, concluding his season prematurely.
2016: Retirement from the NFL
After the 2016 NFL season with the Denver Broncos, DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement, marking the end of his playing career.
March 13, 2017: Retirement Announcement
DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement from the NFL on March 13, 2017, concluding a successful 12-season career. He shared the news with fans through his Twitter account.
April 24, 2017: Retirement as a Dallas Cowboy
On April 24, 2017, DeMarcus Ware returned to the Dallas Cowboys, the team where his illustrious NFL journey began. He signed a one-day contract, allowing him to officially retire as a member of the Cowboys organization.
2017: Retirement as a Dallas Cowboy
In 2017, DeMarcus Ware signed a symbolic one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to officially retire as a member of the team where he achieved significant success.
September 12, 2018: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
DeMarcus Ware was announced as a contestant on season 27 of "Dancing with the Stars" on September 12, 2018. Paired with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold, he showcased his skills on the dance floor.
2018: Pass-Rush Consultant for Denver Broncos
DeMarcus Ware returned to the Denver Broncos in 2018, taking on the role of a pass-rush consultant, sharing his expertise to help develop the team's defensive players.
2021: Marriage to Angela Ware and Birth of Son, Michael John Ware
DeMarcus Ware married Angela Ware in 2021. The couple welcomed their son, Michael John Ware, the same year.
February 9, 2023: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
On February 9, 2023, DeMarcus Ware received one of the highest honors in American football: induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class. He joined a prestigious group that included Joe Thomas, Darrelle Revis, Ronde Barber, and five others.
2023: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The pinnacle of DeMarcus Ware's career arrived in 2023 when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the legends of the sport.
2024: The Masked Singer Appearance
In 2024, DeMarcus Ware participated in season eleven of "The Masked Singer," concealing his identity as "Koala." His run on the show ended on "Transformers Night" when he was unmasked alongside Colton Underwood, who performed as "Lovebird."