Twelve-year NFL defensive end and linebacker DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement today via Twitter.
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to accept the unknown and retire from my NFL career,” read Ware’s statement. “I will miss my teammates, coaches, and fans, who supported me over the years. I’m hanging up my cleats and beginning the journey to my next destination,” he said, before quoting 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
It's time …. pic.twitter.com/qlXpcNn12b
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 13, 2017
Universally respected around the NFL, Ware’s representation sent out the following message not long after his announcement.
.@DeMarcusWare thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible @NFL journey and we're excited for what's next! #LegendsLiveHere
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) March 13, 2017
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also expressed his gratitude at having Ware on his team for so many year.
A statement from #Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the retirement of all-time great pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware: pic.twitter.com/3MCBXRnE2n
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2017
Ware, a four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro-Bowler, exits the league with a potentially Hall of Fame-worthy resume. He was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2000’s 2nd-team, led the league in sacks twice and finished his career with 138.5 sacks, second among active players.
After winning his first Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2015, Ware finished out his career with a career-low four sacks in 10 games. Before coming to Denver, Ware played nine years for the Cowboys, where he is the franchise leader in sacks and forced fumbles.