DeMarcus Ware Forgives Father in Emotional Hall of Fame Speech

DeMarcus Ware entertainingly tells the story of growing up on food stamps and opting to try football only because Bo Jackson spoke to his seventh-grade class in Auburn, Alabama, and mentioned that college athletes get free food.

And today the Dallas Cowboys legend is among the all-time greats with his Saturday enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“You are not a product of your environment,” Ware said in an acceptance speech in which he forgave his father Otis Simms - sitting in the audience - for being unavailable in DeMarcus’ youth. “You are a product of your own thinking, your own mind and you must learn how to persevere.”

Ware set a Dallas franchise record with 117 sacks in nine seasons and then spent three years with the Denver Broncos, recording two sacks in a victory in Super Bowl 50.

The thoughtful Ware touchingly saved seats in the Canton audience for teammates Marion Barber, Demaryius Thomas and Ronnie Hillman, who have passed away.

"I held some seats in my heart for you guys here today."

DeMarcus Ware remembers his former teammates that have passed away during his Pro Football HOF enshrinement speech ❤️

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/LU5w5FE0aR
— Yahoo Sports NFL (@YahooSportsNFL) August 5, 2023

Ware, inducted on this day along with Dallas linebacker Chuck Howley, ended his career 13th on the all-time sacks list with 138.5, and he had 505 solo tackles, 152 assists, 138.5 sacks, eight fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones presented Ware and termed him "one of the rarest," players in NFL history.

Ware was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls. … and now he’s been selected for the highest honor in his profession … a profession he chose in part because he was literally hungry.

“This is and has been God’s work through me,” Ware said.

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