Demarcus Ware Will Always Be Remembered as a Bronco First
By [Your Name], NFL Contributor
When the history of the Denver Broncos is told, and the names of their greatest defenders are recited, one name is sure to be spoken with reverence: DeMarcus Ware. Though Ware spent the majority of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and was already a superstar by the time he arrived in Denver, it was with the Broncos that he cemented his legacy. To fans across Broncos Country, and to the franchise itself, Ware is—and always will be—remembered as a Bronco first.
A Cowboy Legend Before the Mile High Rise
Drafted 11th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s most fearsome pass-rushers. In nine seasons with Dallas, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections, four First-team All-Pro honors, and led the NFL in sacks twice (2008 and 2010). His 117 sacks as a Cowboy rank first in franchise history.
He was, without a doubt, on track for the Hall of Fame before he ever donned the orange and blue. But as dominant as he was in Dallas, playoff success eluded him. The Cowboys made just one postseason appearance during Ware’s tenure, and he never got close to playing in a Super Bowl.
When the Cowboys released Ware in March 2014 due to cap constraints and concerns about his injuries, the Broncos were ready.
A Mile High Renaissance
Ware signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Denver Broncos in March 2014. The move was seen as a bold one—Ware was 31, coming off an injury-plagued season, and some believed his best years were behind him. But Denver was looking for veteran leadership and firepower on defense to match their high-octane offense led by Peyton Manning.
Ware brought more than just experience; he brought hunger.
Lining up opposite Von Miller, Denver’s young star pass-rusher, Ware rejuvenated his career. The duo became one of the most feared pass-rushing tandems in the league. Ware’s presence was transformational—not just in scheme, but in mentality. He brought a championship mindset that had been forged through years of struggle and unfulfilled promise in Dallas.
In his first season with Denver, Ware recorded 10 sacks and helped the team to a 12–4 record. More importantly, his leadership began to reshape the locker room culture. He became a mentor to Miller, who has often spoken about how Ware changed his approach to preparation and professionalism.
Super Bowl 50: The Defining Moment
If there’s a single moment that encapsulates why DeMarcus Ware will forever be remembered as a Bronco first, it’s Super Bowl 50.
In the 2015 season, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and head coach Gary Kubiak, Denver’s defense reached legendary status. They were the top-ranked defense in the NFL and made it their mission to carry the team through the playoffs.
The AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots was Ware’s personal statement. He delivered relentless pressure on Tom Brady, recording seven quarterback hits and a half-sack. His efforts helped secure a narrow 20-18 victory and sent the Broncos to the Super Bowl.
On February 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10. Ware recorded two sacks and was a constant force in a game defined by defense. While Von Miller won Super Bowl MVP, he was quick to credit Ware for both his performance and leadership.
After years of near-misses and heartbreaking defeats in Dallas, Ware finally hoisted the Lombardi Trophy—not as a Cowboy, but as a Bronco.
Beyond the Field: A Leader and Mentor
Ware’s impact in Denver wasn’t limited to the stat sheet. He was a revered locker room presence, serving as a team captain and mentor. His calm, steady leadership provided balance to a team that had often teetered between explosive potential and inconsistent performance.
Von Miller credits Ware as a defining influence in his development. “He taught me how to be a pro, how to take care of my body, how to study the game, and how to lead,” Miller said in a 2016 interview. “I wouldn’t be where I am without DeMarcus.”
Even after his retirement in 2017, Ware continued to be involved with the Broncos, serving as a pass-rush consultant in 2018. His relationship with the franchise and its players didn’t end with the final whistle.
A Hall of Fame Legacy Sealed in Denver
In 2023, DeMarcus Ware was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his speech, he acknowledged both franchises that shaped his career, but it was clear how deeply his time in Denver meant to him. He walked onto that stage as a legend who had worn two helmets—but the one that delivered his most meaningful triumphs, the one that unlocked his full story, was the Broncos helmet.
For Broncos Country, Ware’s induction into the Hall wasn’t just a celebration of his career—it was an affirmation that he belongs to Denver. It was as a Bronco that Ware achieved football immortality.
More Than Just a Champion
What sets Ware apart in Denver lore is that his influence went beyond football. He became a fixture in the community, involved in charity work and mentoring young athletes. His professionalism, humility, and relentless drive made him a fan favorite.
When Denver honored him with a place in the Broncos Ring of Fame, fans erupted. For a player who spent only three years with the team, it’s a rare honor—but a well-deserved one. Ware’s tenure in Denver may have been short compared to others, but its impact was immeasurable.
Why He’ll Always Be a Bronco First
It’s rare in sports for a player to be more identified with the second team of his career, especially when the first team drafted him, developed him, and watched him rise to stardom. But DeMarcus Ware is a unique case.
In Dallas, he was a star. In Denver, he became a champion.
In Dallas, he chased greatness. In Denver, he caught it.
While Cowboys fans will always cherish Ware and rightfully claim his legacy as their own, it’s in Denver that his story reached its poetic climax. The city gave him what every great player desires most: a Super Bowl title, the chance to lead, and a place where his legacy is woven into the very fabric of a franchise.
To Broncos Country, DeMarcus Ware isn’t just a Hall of Famer. He’s family.
And that’s why, no matter where his journey began, DeMarcus Ware will always be remembered as a Bronco first.
