DeMarcus Ware Passes on $9 Million Deal to Retire: “I Can’t Let My Passion Overrule My Sense” 

On Tuesday, DeMarcus Ware made the decision to hang up his cleats, after 12 successful seasons in the NFL.

The Baller’s decision to pack it up had nothing to do with offers or options, or lack thereof. In fact, Ware says he turned down a $9 million deal to suit up for his 13th season with a team he chose not to disclose, although sources suggest it may have been the Dallas Cowboys.

“You go through so much as a player to keep playing — for me lately, the neck injury, the back injury — and then you correct those things,” the baller told the Monday Morning Quarterback.

“And right now as I stand here, my body feels great. My body feels youthful. There is no question in my mind that I could have played two or three more years. But I’m realistic about it. My body’s good now, but how long will that last? How long can your body hold up at 34, 35, hen what you do is likely to hurt yourself,” Ware added.

While football is America’s favorite sport, it’s also one of the most dangerous and unpredictable, causing a slew of wear and tear on the body.

“Now you see where I’m coming from,” Ware said on Tuesday. “How many times when I go through a full season do I feel great from start to finish? It’s hard. Football has been great for me. I love football. Always will. Heck yeah, I want to get out there and play. But I can’t let passion overrule my sense. I am walking away with respect. I gave the fans, I gave my family, I gave my teammates, everything I had every game. One hundred percent. One… hundred…percent.”