Cowboys Country

Why Cowboys Legend DeMarcus Ware 'Won't Sing' National Anthem Again

Former Dallas Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Ware looks back on the emotions he felt regarding his singing of the National Anthem at the Hall of Fame Game

Jon Alfano

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Earlier this month, Dallas Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Ware received the gold jacket he deserved after a legendary NFL career.

Before giving a moving speech at his enshrinement on Aug. 5, Ware first had a chance to shine two days earlier, but not on the football field. Instead, the Cowboys' all-time sack leader sang the National Anthem before the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns in Canton, Ohio. In an unforgettable weekend for Ware, singing the anthem was a particularly special moment.

“One thing I didn’t do is mess up any of the words or the tone,” Ware said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I had everything. It was a surreal moment there’s words I can’t even describe what it felt like. [Singing the anthem] it made the speech feel like I could just talk about [my] story compared to that moment.”

For such a big moment on a national stage, Ware naturally had some worries beforehand. However, he was able to work past those nerves and deliver a great performance, even if it was a one-time thing.

“Your family is going to be happy if you sing it bad or not because they get to see their baby on the screen,” said a smiling Ware. “But it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done in my life. I know I did it with good intentions and good reasons. Nobody asked me to sing it again because I will not. It was awesome and it’s a memory I will never forget.”

The No. 11 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Ware quickly established himself as arguably the best Cowboys player of his era. In nine seasons with the Cowboys, Ware recorded 117 sacks while earning four first-team All-Pro selections. 

After leaving Dallas in 2014, closed out his career with the Denver Broncos, helping them win Super Bowl 50 behind a dominant defense. In fact, Ware sung the anthem in honor of former Broncos receiver Demariyus Thomas, his former teammate who tragically passed away in 2021. ... and we think Ware's point about not again performing the Anthem is about having created a special one-time gesture for his friend.

It's safe to say that Ware did Thomas proud with his singing of the anthem, just like he did throughout his legendary career.

You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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Jon Alfano
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