DeMarcus Ware announces retirement from NFL

The Denver Broncos are losing one of their defensive stars with the announced retirement of DeMarcus Ware.

DeMarcus Ware is one of the best pass rushers of his generation. Now it will be interesting to see how history might remember him, since he’s announced his retirement on Twitter on Monday.

In 12 seasons in the NFL, Ware has an incredible 138.5 career sacks, including 21.5 in the last three seasons with the Denver Broncos. Ware also played 9 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and put up 117 sacks there. Ware also has 35 forced fumbles in his career, 3 interceptions and 659 total tackles.

Ware was named first-team All Pro four times in his career and has been nominated for 9 Pro Bowls. He’s 8th all-time in the NFL in career sacks and second among active players, with only Julius Peppers above him on the list. Ware also has a Super Bowl ring to add to his Hall of Fame credentials with the Broncos in 2015, a playoff run during which he contributed 3.5 postseason sacks.

The Broncos will now lean much more heavily on Von Miller to carry the pass rushing load along with Shane Ray on the other side, who steps into a large shadow—one that will likely feature an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.