Manning: Ware is a Hall of Fame player and teammate

Peyton Manning is famous for sending out handwritten letters to players around the league after their retirement, and DeMarcus Ware is sure to get one soon after announcing the end of his career Monday.

The two spent two years in Denver together, winning a Super Bowl in 2015, and Manning gushed about the pass rusher when asked to share his thoughts on him.

"DeMarcus Ware is not only a Hall of Fame player, but a Hall of Fame teammate as well," said Manning, according to Caroline Deisley of the Broncos' official site. "I played against DeMarcus and played with him. It was an honor and a privilege to have done both.

"Being a teammate with DeMarcus and being a captain of the team was a real privilege for me. DeMarcus loved football. He loved everything about it. He loved putting the work in, loved helping the young players and of course loved playing on Sundays. It is no surprise why he was such an outstanding football player. It was because of his work ethic and his real passion for the game. It was an honor to call him a teammate and a friend. I just know he'll be a great success in his post-playing days.

"I wish him all the best. He truly is one of a kind."

Ware was instrumental in helping Manning secure his second ring, racking up 3.5 sacks in the 2015 postseason despite dealing with back injuries.

Interestingly, Ware only sacked Manning once in his 138.5-sack career, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post.