Troy Great DeMarcus Ware to be Enshrined in Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

TROY, Ala. – A member of the inaugural Troy University Sports Hall of Fame class, Troy football great DeMarcus Ware will be enshrined into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announced this week.

"The best barometer of success for a university is the success of its alumni, and by any measure DeMarcus Ware has been a model alumnus," Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said. "His determination to succeed and his dedication to excellence have made him a role model for all Trojans—and not just student-athletes—to emulate. He is a hall-of-famer in every sense of the phrase, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame should be commended for including him in its ranks. He is most worthy to receive this honor."

Ware was instrumental in Troy's transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2001 and finished his Trojan career as the program's all-time leader in tackles for loss with 55.5 in addition to totaling 27 sacks for a loss of 198 yards to rank among the all-time greats in Troy history.

"DeMarcus is a tremendous ambassador for Troy University and Troy Athletics," Troy Director of Athletics Brent Jones said. "He played the game of football as he lives his life, with class and respect. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who has something bad to say about DeMarcus Ware. We are immensely proud to call him a Troy Trojan, and we are extremely excited to see his name as a member of the 2021 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Class."

Ware became a starter in 2002 and quickly made an impact in the trenches by finishing fifth on the team with 72 tackles. Along with the former Troy and NFL star Osi Umenyiora, the duo combined to record 25 sacks and 40 tackles for a loss.

In his sophomore campaign, Ware tied for 15th in the country with nine sacks, while his 19.5 tackles for a loss were tied for ninth in the nation. In 2002, Troy's defense finished fourth in the country in total defense as the Trojans' allowed 276.8 yards per game.

In 2003, Ware secured a selection to the NCAA Division I-A All-Independent Team by making 62 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and six sacks. As a junior, Ware led the Trojans with 32 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

A member of the Sun Belt Conference All-Decade Team, Ware was a finalist for the 2004 Hendricks Award which is presented annually to the nation's top defensive end.

Ware was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 11th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft and was the first-ever first round pick from Troy or the Sun Belt. He would go on to become one of the most successful players in NFL history.

A Super Bowl 50 Champion with the Denver Broncos, Ware played in nine Pro Bowls, was named All-Pro seven times, tied the NFL record by leading the league in sacks twice and was a two-time Butkus Award winner. He finished his 12-year NFL career with 654 tackles, 138.5 sacks and 35 forced fumbles.

The 53rd Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held May 8, 2021, in the Birmingham Ballroom of the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at 205-323-6665.

Troy University Athletics

Troy Great DeMarcus Ware to be Enshrined in Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Related Videos