It’s 9-time Pro Bowler and NFL Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware!
Born on July 31, 1982, in Auburn, Alabama, Ware is widely regarded as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history.
Ware attended Auburn High School in Alabama, where he excelled in football and track and field. He earned All-American honors as a senior and was named the 4A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
After high school, Ware received a scholarship to play college football at Troy University. He had an outstanding collegiate career, recording 27.5 sacks and 74 tackles for loss during his time at Troy. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2003 and received All-American honors in his senior season.
In the 2005 NFL Draft, DeMarcus Ware was selected in the first round as the 11th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly made an impact in the NFL, showcasing his exceptional pass-rushing skills and becoming one of the league’s premier defensive players. Ware spent the majority of his professional career with the Cowboys, playing for them from 2005 to 2013.
During his time with the Cowboys, Ware earned numerous accolades and awards. He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, named First-Team All-Pro four times, and led the league in sacks twice (2008 and 2010). In 2008, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year after recording 20 sacks, tying the franchise record.
In 2014, Ware joined the Denver Broncos as a free agent. He continued to excel as a pass rusher and played a crucial role in the Broncos’ defense, helping the team reach Super Bowl 50. In the Super Bowl, Ware and the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers, winning the championship.
Following the 2016 season, DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement from professional football. Over his career, he amassed 138.5 sacks, making him eighth on the all-time sack leaders list at the time of his retirement.
Off the field, Ware has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He founded the “DeMarcus Ware Foundation,” which aims to provide support and opportunities to children from underserved communities.
Ware’s career is highly regarded for his exceptional athleticism, technique, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.