Broncos, NFL players and coaches react to DeMarcus Ware’s retirement

As John Elway took the podium at UCHealth Training Center after the introduction of the Denver Broncos newest defensive linemen, Zach Kerr and Domata Peko, the word on DeMarcus Ware was he was to test the free agency waters after three seasons in orange and blue.

Elway said he told Ware, “I never say never,” and the Broncos were open to everything and seeing how things go.

“He’s going to test the market and see what is out there,” Elway said. “I told him that was probably the best thing to do at this point in time, but that we’d stay in touch and see where he was.”

Shortly following that press conference, Ware revealed on his social media channels that he would be retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL.

Ware said he was going to hang up his cleats and begin his journey to his “next destination.”

And as the surprising announcement spread, tributes and congratulations poured in for the future Hall of Famer.

Here are a few from around the NFL and from Broncos players and coaches:

DeMarcus – you are the epitome of what an NFL player should be.

Congrats on your Hall of Fame career & thank you for becoming a Bronco! https://t.co/J7POS7P4aD

— John Elway (@johnelway) March 13, 2017

Congrats on a hall of fame career! You are legendary! You helped me become the player/person I am today. God brought you into my life when I need you the most! I got to witness greatness, I had an opportunity to see what it takes to be legend! Thanks for everything brother!

A post shared by Von Miller (@vonmiller) on Mar 13, 2017 at 1:39pm PDT

Have a career, @DeMarcusWare!#ThankYouDWare pic.twitter.com/GvAzmrK10a

— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2017

Honored to have learned from a legend every day. Even more so I appreciate you believing in me and teaching me how to be a pro @DeMarcusWare pic.twitter.com/Y0r0WLT4vH

— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 13, 2017

BOOM! 💥 “hey, let me tell you something” lol, it’s was an honor and a pleasure! #thankyoudware #bossup

A post shared by TJ Ward (@bossward43) on Mar 13, 2017 at 3:11pm PDT

To one of the Best to ever do it!! And one of the most humble guys I’ve met. I’m going to miss… https://t.co/ofFTVHcm74

— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh54) March 13, 2017

@demarcusware Congrats Big Bro We will miss you my dude #Legend #Goat #HOF https://t.co/tylAOItbwI

— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) March 13, 2017

Congrats on a great career!!! We gone miss you fam!!! It’s been an honor and a privilege to play with you @demarcusware!!! #halloffame

A post shared by Aqib Talib (@aqibtalib21) on Mar 13, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT

D-Ware–a true football legend-a privilege to have been with him–HOF on and off the field–Congrats on your career! Luv U. Coach Wade

— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) March 13, 2017

Congratulations on the phenomenal career @DeMarcusWare.
Enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. #Legend

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 13, 2017

Lucky enough 2share the field with @DeMarcusWare in the short time we overlapped, never had to block him – but always fun to watch him work

— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 13, 2017

It’s about time! Looking forward to not getting hit by you anymore haha just kidding man. One of the best ever. Happy for you! God bless! https://t.co/ptpjnHv6kn

— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 13, 2017

Congrats to one of the best to ever do it. And did it with class. https://t.co/3dmP9yndcx

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 13, 2017