Miller 'could write a book' about Ware's impact on his life

Von Miller always had the potential to be a star in the NFL, but if it wasn't for DeMarcus Ware, he may not have been able to reach all of it.

With speculation surrounding potential retirement for Ware, his younger Denver Broncos teammate took a moment to reflect on what the veteran pass-rusher has meant to his career on Thursday.

“What has DeMarcus meant to me?" Miller rhetorically asked ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "I could sit here all day and write a book, the moments where DeMarcus has impacted in my life."

The two edge-rushers have been teammates since 2014, when Broncos general manager John Elway saw an opportunity to strengthen his team's defense and leadership with Ware, who had just been released from the Dallas Cowboys.

Miller, the second overall pick from the 2011 draft, was coming off a year in which he was suspended six games for a drug violation. Ware's presence helped show Miller the way to become a true pro, eventually winning Super Bowl MVP and earning the richest contract by a defensive player ever.

"I’ve been in the league six years, and three of those have been with DeMarcus,'" Miller said. "And if you look at my years with DeMarcus and look at the type of player I was and the type of person that I am now during DeMarcus' tenure is totally different than I was.

"If you know about Denver and the Denver Broncos, you know exactly what type of impact he’s had on my life, my career."

Ware battled injuries throughout the 2016 season, resulting in a career-low four sacks, but the 12-year veteran hasn't publicly expressed an interest in retiring. Miller hopes to have him back next season as the Broncos attempt to return to Super Bowl glory.

"I think he still wants to come back, still has that fire," Miller said. " ... He’s a champion, he’s a leader. ... I would like to see him come back."