Former Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has been named a semifinalist for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame, the league announced Tuesday.
Ware spent the first nine years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, totaling a franchise-record 117 sacks. He then spent the final three years of his career with the Broncos, totaling 21.5 sacks in 37 games. Ware was a key member of Denver’s “No Fly Zone” defense that led the team to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers following the 2015 season.
A nine-time Pro Bowler and a seven-time All-Pro, Ware ranks ninth on the NFL’s all-time sack list with 138.5.
Former Broncos wide receivers Rod Smith and Wes Welker, offensive linemen Tom Nalen and guard Mark Schlereth, defensive linemen Neil Smith and Simeon Rice, linebackers Al Wilson and Seth Joyner, cornerback Dre’ Bly and kicker Jason Elam were also nominated for the 2023 class in September but did not make the list of finalists.
Additionally, former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar was snubbed as a senior candidate this year, as were Mike Shanahan and the late Dan Reeves as coach candidates.
Ware is a strong candidate to reach Canton in the 2023 class and while most remember him for his time with the Cowboys, fans in Denver know how important the pass rusher was on the team’s Super Bowl 50 defense.
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