There were three things Broncos could always count on with DeMarcus Ware - 100 percent effort, outstanding leadership and a solid “at the end of the day” quote in every presser.
And all three equaled one phenomenal NFL pass rusher.
“This is a 60-minute game and the guys have to play 60 minutes. [That’s] all 11 guys, not just nine or two or four,” Ware said back in December. “All 11 guys have to play for 60 minutes. ...At the end of the day you have to play the whole game.”
But it was that first one - 100 percent effort - that got John Elway’s attention three years ago and kept Broncos Country’s support ever since.
DeMarcus - you are the epitome of what an NFL player should be.
— John Elway (@johnelway) March 13, 2017
Congrats on your Hall of Fame career & thank you for becoming a Bronco! https://t.co/J7POS7P4aD
After 12 seasons of professional football for Ware - nine with the Dallas Cowboys and three with the Broncos, which brought with them 138.5 sacks, eighth most in the NFL and more than any other player since Ware came into the league in 2005 - the stud pass-rusher is now calling it “the end of a day” in the NFL.
Gary Kubiak called Ware “one of the great players” as well as “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,” Kubiak said Monday. “Just as important, he showed so much class and leadership with everything he did on and off the field.”
The opportunity to play in the National Football League.... #Priceless #ThankYOU https://t.co/uVC5gE3138
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 13, 2017
Following the somewhat surprising announcement, coaches, teammates, reporters and fans across the country weighed in with their obvious respect for one of the best ever - including the defensive coach that really put Ware’s talent to use and helped the edge rusher lead Denver’s defense to one of the greatest performances ever in Super Bowl 50, thanks in large part to Ware’s mentee, Von Miller.
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
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) March 13, 2017
Ware’s teammates as well as competitors made sure to thank the man who brought an example, leadership, positive attitude but also fire to keep playing at a Hall-of-Fame level.
Brandon Marshall noted that Ware was “his favorite guy in the locker room” and he helped Marshall in ways Ware would never know.
“The most humble guy you would ever meet. Always has a smile on his face,” Marshall said to Cameron Wolfe. “And he loved helping the young guys along.”
This legacy was most apparent with another future HOF pass rusher - Von Miller - who has always been vocal about how much Ware has done for him as a player and a man.
On his Instagram account, Miller wrote, “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!”
#broncoscountry will miss you! #SB50Champs #4Life pic.twitter.com/S9cbyi0dcK
— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) March 13, 2017
Proud to be your teammate!! Congrats on the career!! https://t.co/5E2gFiEq6N
— Matt Paradis (@two_dice) March 13, 2017
you the man D.Ware ! https://t.co/6lK06kAeuj
— Max Garcia (@MGarcia_76) March 13, 2017
Congrats boss man! Legendary player. But even better man, wish you much love and success! https://t.co/XUtz1iUmi0
— Darius kilgo (@D_kilgo97) March 13, 2017
Congrats D Ware! World class person, teammate, leader and friend! https://t.co/YOh4xMinCZ
— Trevor Siemian (@TrevorSiemian) March 13, 2017
I learned more about pass rush from this man in 1 year than I did all my other years combined. Amazing player & even better person. #respect https://t.co/7eYMFUVnL7
— Chase Vaughn (@ChaseVaughn) March 13, 2017
Congrats to one of the best to ever do it. And did it with class. https://t.co/3dmP9yndcx
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 13, 2017
“@DeMarcusWare, man… Arguably one of the best pass rushers of all-time.” #ThankYouDWare https://t.co/OUKeNDXvvl
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2017
#Respect pic.twitter.com/RjUtgM5hIq
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 13, 2017
And, of course, there was always Ware’s indelible connection with another great leader who left a lasting impression on the team - and who also had some very complimentary things to say about his friend.
“DeMarcus is not only a Hall of Fame player but a Hall of Fame teammate as well. I played against DeMarcus and played with him. It was an honor to do both,” Peyton Manning said. “Being a teammate with DeMarcus Ware and being a captain with him was a real privilege for me.
“He loved everything about it. He loved putting in the work, loved helping the young players and especially loved playing on Sundays,” Manning added. “It was no surprise he was such an outstanding football player. It was because of his work ethic and his real passion for the game.”
Two of the GOATs walk away as Broncos in back to back years. #thanksforthememories pic.twitter.com/NAvtfgOCbv
— Denver Broncos UK (@UKBroncosUK) March 13, 2017
But one of the signs of a truly great player on and off the field is when fans and franchises of the player’s previous teams remain loyal.
Ware definitely had respect of the Cowboys’ front office and their fans even after he left for Denver in 2014.
And we always knew there might be a possibility Ware would want to retire a Cowboy - we were just happy to have him for as long as he wanted to be here.
117 sacks in 9 seasons with the #DallasCowboys
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) March 13, 2017
Watch nearly every @DeMarcusWare sack in a Cowboys uniform.
: https://t.co/Ca7rjc2njj pic.twitter.com/fnMHG1F4bv
Congratulations on a truly extraordinary career, DeMarcus.
In three short years - and with one shiny Super Bowl ring - you’ve earned yourself a huge Mile High Salute from all of us in Broncos Country.
Because at the end of the day, we were all better - much better - for your contributions to the Denver Broncos.
No matter what the next days bring, we’ll see you again in Canton.
Have a career, @DeMarcusWare!#ThankYouDWare pic.twitter.com/GvAzmrK10a
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2017