ENGLEWOOD, Colo. –With the signing of seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Ware, the Broncos hope to be adding a player that contributes both on and off the field.
On the field, Ware's accomplishments are easy to see.
He has 117 sacks in his nine-year career and his 0.83 sacks-per-game rate is second only to Hall-of-Fame defensive end Reggie White's 0.85.
Off the field, Ware is hoping he can help the Broncos' young all-pro pass rusher, Von Miller.
"When Von first came in, before he got drafted, I talked to him a little bit," Ware said. "I've been mentoring him. Being able now to have the opportunity to play with him is a whole different thing. I'll be in the same locker room with him, being able to teach him some things. I'm looking forward to that opportunity. I just think that it's going to be great."
Miller became the first player in Broncos history to earn Pro Bowl selections in each of his first two seasons and finished as the runner-up for the NFL Defensive Player of the year in 2012.
That year, Miller became just the second player since at least 1994 to post 15 sacks, 25 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles in a single season.
The first? Ware, who accomplished that feat when he recorded a career-best 20 sacks in 2008.
"I think with Von, he's one of those incredible athletes," Ware said. "But also, if you can really hone on what you do best and make yourself not think as much when you're out there, I think he'll be an even better athlete. There's always room for improvement."
Miller tweeted his welcome to the newest Bronco upon hearing the news that Ware had agreed to terms with Denver.
@DeMarcusWare looking forward to working with ya big bro! #sack — Von Miller (@Millerlite40) March 12, 2014
Miller is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 16 of the 2013 season, a year in which he missed the first six games due to suspension.
Ware, who served as a captain during his time with the Cowboys, is hoping his leadership can help Miller continue to evolve as one of the league's premier defenders.
"I think the main thing is having somebody that's here that's real for him," Ware said. "And I've been that. I've known him since his rookie season. Also a guy that he's looked up to, and a guy that at the end of the day, you can go in the trenches with, and that you can trust. So I'm that guy for him."
