Dallas Cowboys: 15 Best players in team history
By Randy Gurzi
15. player. 123. . EDGE. (2005-2013). DeMarcus Ware
The Dallas Cowboys had two first-round picks in 2005 and head coach Bill Parcells used both to try and solidify their defense. The first selection was Troy defensive end DeMarcus Ware and the second was LSU defensive end Marcus Spears. In the 3-4 system Dallas ran at the time, Spears stayed on the line as an end and Ware slid into a pass-rushing outside linebacker role.
Ware started strong out of the gates, recording 58 tackles and eight sacks as a rookie. That was just a tease for what was yet to come. Ware continued to develop as an edge rusher and made the Pro Bowl the following seven seasons for Dallas.
During that span, he never had less than 11 sacks and hit a career-high 20 in 2008. That was the first time he led the NFL in sacks and he did so again in 2010. In all, Ware had 659 tackles and 117 sacks — and is the leader in sacks all-time for the Cowboys.
While fans loved Ware during his tenure, they realized just how important he was when he left in 2014. At 32 years old, Ware was let go as the Cowboys were close to the salary cap and needed the space. He went on to play three more seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he won a Super Bowl. Still, he will always be remembered for his prime playing days with the star on his helmet.