NFL stars pay tribute to Ware after retirement announcement

9 years ago

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

DeMarcus Ware announced Monday that he's decided to call it a career after 12 seasons in the NFL, and players and coaches around the league showered the likely future Hall of Famer with praise, including Ware's Broncos teammates and Wade Phillips, who acted as the pass rusher's defensive coordinator in both Denver and Dallas.

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

To one of the Best to ever do it!! And one of the most humble guys I've met. I'm going to miss you in the locker room big fella! You've taught me a lot about life and about football. I appreciate all those lessons. I'll never forget you and Peyton's speech the night before the SuperBowl. We all wanted to win it for both of you. I know you'll be successful in whatever you decide to do. Be easy @demarcusware

A post shared by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshh54) on Mar 13, 2017 at 2:01pm PDT

Congrats on a great career!!! We gone miss you fam!!! It's been an honor and a privilege to play… https://t.co/pbpwXkDYfl
— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) March 13, 2017

After recording 138.5 sacks during his career, some offensive players will likely be happy to not have to face Ware any longer, including Derek Carr and Duane Brown.

It's about time! Looking forward to not getting hit by you anymore haha just kidding man. One of the best ever. Happy for you! God bless! https://t.co/ptpjnHv6kn
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 13, 2017

Been an honor and pleasure competing against you bruh. One of the best of all time and great person. Salute!
https://t.co/JfpCvbqi7X
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) March 13, 2017

I remember going against D-Ware in the preseason of my rookie year. Definitely a "Welcome to the NFL, get ya mind right" moment lol
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) March 13, 2017

Other players around the league paid tribute to Ware, with fellow recent retiree Robert Mathis calling Ware the "best pass rusher of our generation."

Congrats @DeMarcusWare on a undeniably #1stBallotCareer!!! Best PassRusher of our generation! #Respect #RealRushersRecognizeReal
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) March 13, 2017

Lucky enough 2share the field with @DeMarcusWare in the short time we overlapped, never had to block him - but always fun to watch him work
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 13, 2017