DeMarcus Ware retired this past offseason after giving a great deal of thought to returning for a 13th NFL season. Unlike many players who knew right away when it was time to hang it up, the former defensive end says he was extremely close to adding one more year to his career.
When discussing this weekend’s game between his two former teams, the Broncos and Cowboys, Ware revealed Wednesday that he was “one day away” from returning to Dallas for another season.
DeMarcus Ware just at the Star. I asked him how close he was to playing in this game as a Cowboys player "one day away".
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 13, 2017
Ware, 35, retired as a Cowboy after spending three seasons in Denver and winning a Super Bowl there. He was still playing at a high level, but back issues became a problem. Even now, Ware said he still has a desire to strap on the pads.
DeMarcus Ware went on to say "My body just told me it's time. It's time to stop playing. I still have the drive and want to play…" 1/2
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 13, 2017
"but you got to think about family and what's important and I just decided it's time to hang up the cleats and put a suit on."DeMarcus Ware
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 13, 2017
"but you got to think about family and what's important and I just decided it's time to hang up the cleats and put a suit on."DeMarcus Ware
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 13, 2017
There was some speculation that Ware could return to play for a contender later in the season, though he didn’t indicate he is thinking about that.
