In our Broncos Legends series, we're revisiting the careers of some of the best players in franchise history with video highlights and rarely seen photos — and they'll join us to break down their favorite moments as a Bronco and more. Here's a refresher on DeMarcus Ware's time in Denver.
Career overview
When the Cowboys released DeMarcus Ware following the 2013 season and made him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, the Broncos were the first team that came calling.
After a season in which the Broncos' offense rewrote NFL record books, the franchise was reeling from its unraveling in Super Bowl XLVIII. In particular, the defense had several shortcomings and needed reinforcements.
In Ware, a second-team member of the NFL's All-2000s Team and four-time first-team All-Pro, the Broncos saw a partner for Von Miller to bookend the team's pass-rush. Even though Ware had missed the Pro Bowl in 2013 (the first time since his rookie season) and had undergone elbow surgery following the season, Denver still figured Ware had plenty left in the tank; John Elway & Co. set up a visit with Ware for the day after he was released.
In the Broncos, Ware saw a team that was still close to a championship, and when he saw the talent that was also preparing to join him in free agency, he knew his decision would be easy.
"I got on the plane to Denver] and I saw Aqib Talib. I didn't know anything about Aqib Talib coming to the Denver Broncos," [Ware told DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla earlier this year. "And I thought to myself, 'Is he going to try and sign in Denver?' I said, 'OK, then. If I can get Chris Harris and Aqib Talib on the same team, that means I have at least one more second to get to the quarterback.' And then I also said, 'If I can also get right with Von, we can be the best tandem ever at the outside linebacker position to play together.' I was already sold after that.
"I remember sitting in the [locker room] and Aqib Talib was getting dressed … and I was getting dressed as well. You put on your nice gear and your suit and make sure you're presentable at the time to the owners and also to the press if you were going to sign at that time, so you need to be prepared. I remember when we were sitting in [there], I looked at Aqib and Aqib looked at me, and we smiled at each other. Because we knew exactly what we had to do. And that was one of those cool moments where I knew that it was that time."
After a 10-sack campaign in 2014, Ware made his return to the Pro Bowl, but the Broncos' playoff loss in their first postseason game left him and the team wanting more.
Following a coaching change that brought in longtime defensive guru Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator, Ware and the defense would fulfill their potential in 2015.
In addition to being the stingiest unit against the run, the Broncos' defense also featured the most-feared pass rush, led by Ware and Miller. With the "No-Fly Zone" forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball while they waited (or hoped) for receivers to break free, Denver's rushers had all the time they needed. They ended the season with a league-leading 52 sacks.
Ware contributed 7.5 of those sacks in 11 games as a back injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, but he was able to return for the final four weeks of the regular season. Ware's contributions in that time, including an overtime fumble recovery to seal a win over Cincinnati, helped ensure the home-field advantage in the playoffs as the AFC's top team.
Then, in each of the Broncos' three postseason games, the 11-year veteran made essential contributions, including a fumble recovery that led to the Broncos' game-winning touchdown in the Divisional Round and seven QB hits on Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game.
In the only Super Bowl appearance of his career, Ware made the most of his opportunity and recorded two sacks, five total tackles and four quarterback hits.
Upon lifting the Lombardi Trophy, Ware achieved not just the goal he had upon signing in Denver, but also the goal he had upon entering the NFL.
"When I hoisted that trophy up," Ware said after the game, "that was that point to where I'm like, 'I made it' — and being a champion feels good."
In his final season, Ware continued battle injuries but was still able to add four sacks to bring his career total to 138.5. When he retired, Ware ranked eighth on the all-time sack leaderboard.
Career accolades
Super Bowl 50 champion, nine-time Pro Bowler (two with Broncos), four-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, 2015 September AFC Defensive Player of the Month, Broncos Top 100 Team member, second-team member of NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Stats to know
Broncos stats: 37 games, 33 starts, 21.5 sacks, 81 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery, 26 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback hits
Career stats: 178 games, 173 starts, 138.5 sacks, 657 tackles, 171 tackles for loss, 35 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 25 passes defensed, three interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, 229 quarterback hits
In his own words
"I would say consist: consistently relentless at getting at the quarterback. My whole career I did that, but also consistent with the guys in the locker room, and that's why I was a captain for 12 years. I was a captain with the Broncos for three years. And also, that's why we won the championship there.
"I go back and look at when I'm in the locker room with Peyton, I'm in the locker room with Von and all those other guys, seeing how we all were a team together, and there was nothing that we couldn't accomplish as a whole."
Three games to remember
Week 7, 2014 season: Broncos 42, 49ers 17
Ware's performance in this game may have been overshadowed by Peyton Manning moving into sole possession of pro football's all-time passing touchdown record, but he still made quite the mark with three sacks.
All three of Ware's sacks came against six-time Pro Bowler and 2010s All-Decade Team tackle Joe Staley, but one in particular was memorable. As quarterback Colin Kaepernick dropped back to pass from the shotgun, Ware had a one-on-one matchup with Staley. Midway through his rush, Ware stopped his momentum and pivoted as if he were beginning to spin toward the middle of the pocket; Staley sensed that and spun in the same direction to meet him before Ware could get around him. But Ware wasn't there. He had faked the spin move before closing in on Kaepernick for his second sack of the day.
2015 AFC Championship Game: Broncos 20, Patriots 18
In the AFC Championship Game, Ware's first conference championship game of his career, he put nearly constant pressure on Patriots QB Tom Brady. Ware finished the game with only half a sack, but he led the team with seven quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus recorded 44 pass-rush snaps for Ware during the game; he registered a pressure (a sack, QB hit or hurry) on the quarterback on 25 percent of those snaps. On the Broncos' final defensive snap, the Patriots' two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game, Ware provided the pressure that forced Brady into a game-sealing interception.
Super Bowl 50: Broncos 24, Panthers 10
The night before the only Super Bowl that Ware would ever play, he and Peyton Manning spoke to the team. As the two elder statesmen of the team stood up in front of the room in the team hotel for their speeches, each "got choked up," as former Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall recalled.
"D-Ware said that [none] of us had to worry about anything going wrong on the field because, if one side slipped, you got a horde of angels behind you," defensive lineman Antonio Smith said later.
Denver's defense, led by its pass rush in a harassing and dominant performance against 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton, was that horde of angels for the Broncos. Miller forced two fumbles, one of which resulted in a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and Ware added two sacks of his own as he achieved the pinnacle of his career.
Flip back through photos of DeMarcus Ware's Broncos career, from when he signed as a free agent to winning Super Bowl 50 and beyond.
DeMarcus Ware signs his NFL free agency contract on March 12, 2014.
DeMarcus Ware speaks to the media during his free agency signing press conference on March 12, 2014.
Retired from play for the day, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and DeMarcus Ware (94) converse on the sidelines during second quarter action of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Levi's Stadium in San Jose, CA. August 17, 2014.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) high fives head coach John Fox before action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. August 17, 2014.
DeMarcus Ware enters the field during player introductions before the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field in Denver,Colo. September 14, 2014
DeMarcus Ware displays a peace sign during pregame warmups prior to kick-off against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. September 21, 2014
DeMarcus Ware tries wrestling New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) to the turf on a 3rd quarter play in the NFL game at MetLife Stadium October 12, 2014.
DeMarcus Ware poses for a photo at Denver Broncos practice at Dove Valley in Englewood, Colorado on October 31, 2014.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) wraps up St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) during fourth quarter action against the St. Louis Rams during the game at Edward Jones Dome in Saint Louis, MO, November 16, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware turns upfield for yardage after intercepting a Kansas City Chiefs pass during third quarter action in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City , MO November 30, 2014.
DeMarcus Ware and teammates wait in the tunnel during pregame player introductions before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 07, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) tackles Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after he fumbled the ball during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) holds up the shoe of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after a tackle during first quarter action in the NFL divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 11, 2015.
DeMarcus Ware pushes a weighted sled during the first day of offseason training at the Denver Broncos Dove Valley facility in Englewood, CO. April13, 2015
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) interacts with fans at Denver Broncos training camp August 1, 2015 at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood,CO.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) records a safety during second quarter action of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, August 29, 2015.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) pressures Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during second quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates during the fourth quarter of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, September 17, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. Denver won 31-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) DeMarcus Ware (94) and Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrate and acknowledge fans in the closing seconds after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-24 in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Eric Bakke via AP)
DeMarcus Ware brushes off Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) aside on a pass rush during second quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 4, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) tackles Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12), causing a fumble that Green Bay recovered in the end zone for a safety during fourth quarter action against the Green Bay Packers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 01, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware with his son on the field after the Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 17-3 in the NFL game in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (Eric Bakke via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates with the game ball after recovering the game-sealing fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) is all smiles postgame in the locker room as he celebrates with teammates after he recovered a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) fumble to secure an overtime win over the Bengals 20-17. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware speaks to teammates in a huddle before the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) recovers a fumble during fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. The fumble recovery set up the Broncos' game-wining touchdown. Photo by Ben Hays.
DeMarcus Ware celebrates the Broncos' AFC Championship victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 24, 2016, in Denver, CO. The Broncos won 20-18 to advance to Super Bowl. (Tom Hauck via AP)
DeMarcus Ware high-fives his son during the postgame celebration on the field after the Broncos won the AFC Championship Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) gives Von Miller a celebratory hug postgame after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware huddles the team postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware waves as he enters the SAP Center during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pour Gatorade on Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak in the closing seconds of Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. Denver won 24-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. Denver won 24-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) is interviewed at the end of the game on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10 to win Super Bowl 50. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
DeMarcus Ware (94), Von Miller (58) and Peyton Manning (18) celebrate after the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
DeMarcus Ware (94) and Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak celebrate after their win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won 24-10. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) and Peyton Manning (18) begin celebrating on the sidelines during the final seconds of the fourth quarter as Denver leads the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware and Tyler Polumbus celebrate after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware poses with the Lombardi Trophy during a parade for the NFL football Super Bowl champions, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning pose with the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship parade in Denver, Colo. February 9, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates following Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won 24-10. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive end and Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist DeMarcus Ware speaks on stage during 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre on Friday, April 29, 2016 in Chicago. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller sign footballs at the White House on June 6, 2016. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller at the White House on June 6, 2016. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller react after receiving their Super Bowl rings during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware and teammates pose for a photo with their Super Bowl rings during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware jokes around with Peyton Manning and Von Miller during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware shows off his Super Bowl ring during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware — performing as a musician at the 2016 Taste of the Broncos — walks to the outdoor stage with his band at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on June 14, 2016. (Ben Swanson)
DeMarcus Ware looks at a birthday cake made for him by Voodoo Doughnut. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) runs off the field with a commemorative football after a win against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016 in Denver. The Broncos won, 21-20. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after game action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware gives a thumbs up to a fan during warmups before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
This Oct. 30, 2016 photo shows Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) smiling prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Denver. Ware needs season-ending back surgery that could spell the end of his NFL career. The Broncos placed Ware on injured reserve Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 along with cornerback Kayvon Webster, who sustained a concussion last weekend at Kansas City. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) gets the crowd hyped up during first quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 30, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) line up against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) knocks the ball out of San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' (17) hand during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 30, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware peers out a door on a military vehicle on the USAA Salute To Service Caravan on November 8, 2016. (Caroline Deisley)
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) boards the plane during the team's travel on December 10, 2016 to Nashville for a game against the Titans. (Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) at the Titans' 1-yard line, forcing a punt during the 2016 NFL week 14 regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. The sack was the final one of Ware's career. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward pose for a photo prior to kickoff against the Tennessee Titans in the NFL game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN December 11, 2016.
DeMarcus Ware runs through fog from the tunnel during pregame player introductions against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 18, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94), aka DeMarcus Claus, rides a bike at the Boys & Girls Club holiday Party in the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse on December 20, 2016. Ninety club members were welcomed for a party with free bicycles. (Caroline Deisley)
Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller present DeMarcus Ware with a framed jersey during the practice at UC Health Training Facility in Centennial, CO, May 02, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Demarcus Ware stands in the north end zone with his family and is honored during second quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 17, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Ware greets Peyton Manning during voluntary team activities at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, May 31, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware during practice at UCHealth Training Center on September 26, 2018.
DeMarcus Ware displays a pass-rush move with Aaron Donald at Von Miller's third annual Pass Rush Summit on June 6, 2019 at UNLV in Las Vegas.
Former Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware talks with President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway before the Broncos' game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 17, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning during Denver Broncos Super Bowl Ring Ceremony in Denver, Colo. on June 12, 2016.
DeMarcus Ware during the Super Bowl 50 Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
