The player who made the swiftest impact on the Denver Broncos, earning a spot on the Top 50 all-time Broncos list, was none other than DeMarcus Ware. His leadership and mentorship were crucial for the team, especially during their championship run in the 2015 Super Bowl. It’s important to consider the profound effect such a player can have on a franchise. For me, this influence is significant enough for the organization to reconsider its four-year minimum requirement for the Ring of Fame. Ware’s contributions during his three seasons with the Broncos undoubtedly make him a worthy candidate for this prestigious honor.

In addition to his exceptional skills on the field during his three seasons with the Broncos, Ware played a pivotal role in mentoring star edge rusher Von Miller. Initially, Miller faced a challenging start due to suspensions and other issues, but Ware’s guidance helped him transition into a Hall of Fame-caliber player from 2014 onward. Few realized when the Broncos signed Ware to a favorable three-year contract in 2014 that he was actually Miller’s childhood idol. Playing alongside his hero dramatically changed the trajectory of Miller’s career, highlighting the importance of mentorship in professional sports.

At the age of 32, the Dallas Cowboys made the decision to part ways with DeMarcus Ware, deeming him expendable. Ironically, this loss for the Cowboys became a significant gain for the Broncos as Ware brought with him an impressive career total of 138.5 sacks and 229 quarterback hits. During his tenure with the Broncos, he earned two additional Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his enduring talent. Although some might have considered him “washed up” as an elite edge rusher, pairing him with another superstar edge rusher allowed Ware to continue creating impactful plays during crucial moments.

Together, Ware and Miller formed one of the most formidable edge rushing duos in NFL playoff history. In just three games, Ware logged an impressive 3.5 sacks and recorded 12 quarterback hits. Meanwhile, Miller contributed with another 5 sacks and 6 quarterback hits during this playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl 50 championship. This performance not only solidified their legacy but also earned Von Miller the title of Super Bowl MVP, further emphasizing the significance of their collaboration.

While some may argue against Ware’s inclusion on this list due to his relatively brief tenure with the team, the reasons outlined here clearly justify his placement. Our team consistently ranks Ware among the Top 50 players in Broncos history, with a consensus ranking landing him at 27th. This alone demonstrates that he is more than deserving of a spot in the Ring of Fame, despite the four-year rule that is typically enforced.