FRISCO, Texas -DeMarcus Ware is finishing his career where it all began.
Well, not exactly the same spot since the Cowboys have a new headquarters in Frisco, where they have announced Ware has re-signed with the team to own his rights as he will be placed on reserved/retired.
"This has always been home to me," Ware said at The Star on Monday after his press conference that included Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Jason Garrett. "Where you start at, it's where you want to finish. For me, coming back here was a big deal. So many great memories here. It was great in Denver, too. But it's great to finish here."
Ware decided to hang it up after 12 seasons, including the last three in Denver, where he helped the Broncos to a Super Bowl title after the 2015 season.
But his first 10 years in Dallas were quite productive as well, as Ware became the Cowboys' all-time leader in sacks, finishing with 117.0 to surpass Harvey Martin (114).
In 2005, the Cowboys drafted Ware with the 11th overall pick – the first and main cog in Bill Parcells' attempt to move from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme.
Ware not only became a pass-rushing beast, but was an all-around defensive performer, stopping the run just as well. He was also rather durable, playing in 134 straight games before an injury finally sidelined him for three games during the 2013 season, his last year with the Cowboys.
Injuries did catch up to Ware the past two years as he missed a combined 11 games due to various injuries.
As the Cowboys get ready for the NFL Draft on Thursday, both Jerry Jones and Garrett spoke of Ware, stating he is the type of player they're looking for in this draft and every draft.
"But he's a once-in-a-generation type of player," Garrett said. "Guys like this don't come around often. You're looking for a guy like him every year but you're not going to find him."
See photos as DeMarcus Ware retires a Cowboy.
* *
