New Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware will also be inducted in Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
The accolades and surprises keep on coming for legendary Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware.
Owner Jerry Jones announced that Ware was selected for entry into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and was recently inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Ware spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Cowboys, becoming the franchise’s all-time career leader in sacks with 117. He finished his final three years with the Denver Broncos and was key member of the Super Bowl 50 title team.
On Aug. 5, Ware had his Hall of Fame ceremony and was introduced by Jones, who praised Ware for his contributions on and off the field, highlighting his character.
Jones said it’s Ware’s time and it’s his year. He will be the only player inducted in the Ring of Honor this year. A date and time have yet to be announced.
Jones said the Ring of Honor is oriented toward players who have made an lasting impact on the organization on and off the field.
“Nothing more needs to be said,” Jones said. “He’s had a big year, being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. It’s a very distinguished statement to say the impact you have have made as a player and there’s a good chance you will make going forward because of your career, a lasting positive impact for the franchise. That’s why you’re in the Ring of Honor.”
It was Jones who surprised Ware with the Hall of Fame announcement and he surprised him again on Wednesday with the Ring of Honor announcement at the Cowboys 2023 season kickoff ceremony that Ware hosted for fans and sponsors.
“I’m lost for words right now,” Ware said. “This is second time you surprised me. First of all, when you told me I was making the Hall of Fame and secondly, me getting into your Hall of Fame. Yes, Canton was great. But this is my home. And my dad, that I played for. This is one of the coolest things.
“When I was released, it hurt. Because I felt like my dad was sending me away from home. But guess what? He did something even more special, which is awesome. And so I’m part of the family now.”
Ware will be the 20th player chosen for the Ring of Honor and the first since Darren Woodson was selected in 2015. The last person inducted was former Cowboys executive Gil Brandt in 2018.
It was ironic that Ware referred to Jones as his dad several times on Wednesday. He talked about seeing his biological dad for just the third time at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony.
Ware’s relationship with Jones has been constant since the Cowboys drafted him in the first round in 2005. Now it will go on forever in the Ring of Honor and the Hall of Fame.
“It’s always been open-door policy since I came here,” Ware said. “The media always asked me what was Jerry like, ‘Let’s just go knock on his door and go talk to him, just sit down’. We might really want to talk about football. We might talk about worked at a gas station. One of the stories I say, ‘Man, he’s so cool.’ He’s an awesome freaking person. And I got an opportunity to get to see them for nine years while I was here. And again, it was a relationship, not a football relationship. It was just a relationship building and it will last forever from now on. And guess what, we are in the Hall of Fame together.”
This story was originally published August 23, 2023 at 5:59 PM.
