Cowboys Insider: Ware feels like he's arrived
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
Ever since the Cowboys selected him in the first round two years ago, DeMarcus Ware has associated the draft with sleepless nights.
“You’re not going to sleep at all,” Ware said when asked to describe what Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss and the other players the Cowboys could draft Saturday are going through this week. “And you are going to be really, really nervous the night before.
“Basically, you are about to find out how your life is going to unfold. It’s a great sense of apprehension.”
For Ware, life is good. After recording a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2006 en route to earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl, the former Troy State standout was selected to participate in the Campbell’s Chunky Soup Mama Boys’ advertising campaign along with seven other NFL stars, including LaDainian Tomlinson.
On Tuesday, I spoke with Ware via telephone from Toronto, where the commercials are being shot.
“It feels real good to be involved in this,” the linebacker said. “I had a good season, which was great, and now I’m in the commercial spotlight, which is great. I feel like I have arrived.
“Now the question or challenge is, can I stay consistent and can I stay the same player.”
With that in mind, Ware is determined to arrive in San Antonio for training camp in July in the best shape possible.
“It’s all about the offseason,” Ware said. “The skill level is there. It’s just about training a little harder to stay comfortable and to be the best player you can be.”
Ware said he’s excited about playing for Wade Phillips, the former San Diego defensive coordinator who helped make linebacker Shawne Merriman a star.
The Cowboys drafted Ware with the 11th pick after deciding to pass on Merriman, who went to the Chargers at No. 12.
“He puts players in position to make plays,” Ware said of Phillips. “That’s one of the things he’s really good at. He’s aggressive and that’s how players like to play.”
Phillips’ predecessor had a conservative philosophy. But that doesn’t mean Ware didn’t enjoy playing for Bill Parcells.
“What did I learn from Bill?” Ware said, repeating my question. “This game is a mental game. The main thing is it’s very physical, but if you can outwit the guy you are going up against, you win the battle. That’s what I learned from Bill.”
Joining Ware in Toronto was his mother, Brenda Ann Ware. She said she’s excited about being in a commercial with her son.
“I’m very proud of him,” Brenda said. “He’s worked really hard all of his life. Football was always very important to him.”
That was evident the night before the 2005 NFL draft, Brenda said.
“He was nervous, real nervous,” Brenda said. “Everybody was real happy when the Cowboys drafted him. I love the Cowboys.”
Express-News Staff Writer
Ever since the Cowboys selected him in the first round two years ago, DeMarcus Ware has associated the draft with sleepless nights.
“You’re not going to sleep at all,” Ware said when asked to describe what Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss and the other players the Cowboys could draft Saturday are going through this week. “And you are going to be really, really nervous the night before.
“Basically, you are about to find out how your life is going to unfold. It’s a great sense of apprehension.”
For Ware, life is good. After recording a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2006 en route to earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl, the former Troy State standout was selected to participate in the Campbell’s Chunky Soup Mama Boys’ advertising campaign along with seven other NFL stars, including LaDainian Tomlinson.
On Tuesday, I spoke with Ware via telephone from Toronto, where the commercials are being shot.
“It feels real good to be involved in this,” the linebacker said. “I had a good season, which was great, and now I’m in the commercial spotlight, which is great. I feel like I have arrived.
“Now the question or challenge is, can I stay consistent and can I stay the same player.”
With that in mind, Ware is determined to arrive in San Antonio for training camp in July in the best shape possible.
“It’s all about the offseason,” Ware said. “The skill level is there. It’s just about training a little harder to stay comfortable and to be the best player you can be.”
Ware said he’s excited about playing for Wade Phillips, the former San Diego defensive coordinator who helped make linebacker Shawne Merriman a star.
The Cowboys drafted Ware with the 11th pick after deciding to pass on Merriman, who went to the Chargers at No. 12.
“He puts players in position to make plays,” Ware said of Phillips. “That’s one of the things he’s really good at. He’s aggressive and that’s how players like to play.”
Phillips’ predecessor had a conservative philosophy. But that doesn’t mean Ware didn’t enjoy playing for Bill Parcells.
“What did I learn from Bill?” Ware said, repeating my question. “This game is a mental game. The main thing is it’s very physical, but if you can outwit the guy you are going up against, you win the battle. That’s what I learned from Bill.”
Joining Ware in Toronto was his mother, Brenda Ann Ware. She said she’s excited about being in a commercial with her son.
“I’m very proud of him,” Brenda said. “He’s worked really hard all of his life. Football was always very important to him.”
That was evident the night before the 2005 NFL draft, Brenda said.
“He was nervous, real nervous,” Brenda said. “Everybody was real happy when the Cowboys drafted him. I love the Cowboys.”
posted by The Gryphon at 7:45 AM
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