DeMarcus Ware Announces Retirement: 'It's Time'

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware has announced he's retiring.

Ware broke the news on Twitter, saying that "after a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to accept the unknown and retire from my NFL career."

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Ware underwent season-ending surgery to repair a ruptured disk in his back.

Ware played in 12 NFL seasons, nine with the Dallas Cowboys and the last three with the Broncos.

Helping lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers, Ware ranks eighth all-time in the NFL in sacks.

DeMarcus Ware's Full Announcement:

"After a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to accept the unknown and retire from my NFL career.

Tempting opportunities still present themselves for me to play and I feel better than I have in years. However, long term health and quality of life outweigh the spark and passion to play that I once had.

With that, I take this opportunity to thank all of the people in my life who had a hand in molding me into a great player and the God fearing man I am today. I thank the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos for opportunities to experience what greatness feels like.

I will miss my teammates, coaches, and fans, who supported me over the years. I'm hanging up my cleats and beginning the journey to my next destination.

'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.' (2 Timothy 4:7, KJV)"

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