The Broncos won their preseason opener over the Seahawks. It was an odd game because of the penalties and 45-minute lightning delay in the first quarter. (Kent Nishimura, The Denver Post)
DeMarcus Ware understands the jokes. He’s 32, an age befitting a broadcaster, not a pass rusher. He looked like a leader Friday, not a player on the other side of his career in his Broncos’ debut.
The former Cowboys great recorded his first sack, corralling Seattle’s Russell Wilson, and providing relentless pressure in his limited work. It was preseason, but don’t tell the Broncos the 21-16 victory wasn’t a significant first step.
“The sense of urgency around here is always heightened, regardless of the situation or opponent. It wasn’t just the game,” Ware said. “It was the whole atmosphere around the team, what’s at stake and what we are trying to do. It started with this first game. The time is now.”
Ware spent the second half enjoying the crowd and conversing with his new teammates. Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton couldn’t resist making fun of Ware’s sideline kicks. Once removed from the game, Ware changed from his cleats to blue and gold Reebok pumps.
“You know what those are vintage. I was a Reebok guy for nine years. So you accumulate some old vintage shoes,” Ware said. “My deal is up with them so I have to find another company to go with. I don’ t know where. The guys kid me about them. They say, ‘Look at those old school shoes and look what the old guy is wearing.’ That’s OK. I’ve still got it.”
Ware is old enough to remember Dee Brown’s breathtaking performance in the 1991 slam dunk contest. The Boston Celtics’ 6-footer paused before his eye-shielding slam to pump up his kicks. Ware owns a pair of the Pump Omni Lites, the Dee Browns in black and orange. He remains disappointed that Reebok never made him a pair of pump cleats.
“I asked them to. I wanted them,” Ware said. “I could have pumped them up after sacks. Pump up the team, and pump up the crowd. It made sense.”
