Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware finally accomplished the NFL dream on Sunday night, as he was able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in his 11-year NFL career. The Broncos' defense dominated in Super Bowl 50, and Denver's pass rush was a key difference maker in slowing down Carolina's top-ranked offense.
Ware recorded five combined tackles and two crucial sacks on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Ware currently sits 11th on the all-time career sack list with 134.5 but doesn't plan to hang up his cleats any time soon.
"I got a lot of gas in the tank," said Ware, via NFL Network. "Von (Miller) was the one that added the gas to the fire for me, so that's why I'm playing the way I'm playing right now. I don't think about retiring. God wants me to play, that's why I'm doing what I'm doing. When I start bringing the cane out, you guys make sure that you tell me, 'DeMarcus, it's time to hang the cleats up.'"
Ware and Super Bowl MVP linebacker Miller recorded 4.5 of Denver's six sacks on Newton, and the Broncos defense doesn't look like it will get any weaker in the near future. The Broncos are reportedly expected to franchise tag Miller this offseason, and Ware still has one year remaining on his three-year contract. Ware turns 34 years old prior to the 2016 regular season but has shown that he still a force in the league.
The Broncos do have some of their top talent scheduled to become free agents this offseason, but as a whole Denver's defense looks like it will continue to create havoc in the league next season. Super Bowl-winning teams tend to lose plenty of star playmakers after winning the big game, but if Miller and Ware are both in Broncos uniforms next season expect Denver to continue to have arguably the best pass rush in the NFL.
