The 'Tweener' Who Became a Hall of Fame Sack Machine
In short: Scouts initially labeled DeMarcus Ware a 'tweener'—a player who didn't fit a specific mold. They were wrong. By defying conventional scouting, Ware transformed from an overlooked college prospect into one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history, eventually breaking records and securing a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Before entering the NFL, Ware was a versatile standout at Auburn High School, where he played both linebacker and wide receiver. At Troy University, he played defensive end, but scouts were hesitant about his fit. Sports Illustrated projected him as an early second-round pick, viewing him as a 'tweener' who might struggle to find a consistent role in a standard defense. However, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones overruled head coach Bill Parcells' desire for another prospect, selecting Ware with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
The Cowboys' gamble paid off immediately. Ware transitioned to outside linebacker and became a cornerstone of the defense. During his nine seasons in Dallas, he led the league in sacks twice and secured seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections. His dominance was historic; he set the franchise record for sacks and became the first player to record a sack in ten consecutive games, tying a record held by Simon Fletcher. By 2013, he surpassed Harvey Martin’s 30-year-old record to become the Cowboys' all-time sack leader.
Ware's career was defined by high-impact production and physical resilience. He finished his career with over 100 sacks, becoming the second-fastest player in history to reach that milestone. Despite facing significant injuries—including a neck injury in 2009 and a torn labrum in 2012—he continued to produce at an elite level. He eventually joined the Denver Broncos, where he helped the team win Super Bowl 50 before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
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