Schlereth: Ware’s impact ‘far-reaching,’ Broncos Ring of Fame worthy

Readily available statistic show the impact DeMarcus Ware had on the field for the Denver Broncos.

The future Hall of Fame linebacker played in 37 games, earned 21.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, and was selected to two Pro Bowls.

But, as “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mike Evans said, Ware’s impact on the franchise and its players was “incalculable” and “immeasurable.”

“Just because you play a pro sport doesn’t make you a professional,” said Evans’ co-host, and former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth.

“That guy is the ultimate professional, and he taught other guys on that football team and on that defense how to be professional. And that’s why you win a championship. Without that, you don’t win that championship.”

Schlereth specifically pointed to Ware’s impact on pass-rushing star Von Miller, whose talent and passion for football has always been readily apparent — he was take No. 2  overall in the 2012 NFL Draft — but needed refining in terms of being a professional.

“Von Miller was always a great football player. He always had joy and passion when he played the game, but he started to understand it’s more than that,” Schlereth said.

“It’s the preparation. It’s the study. It’s the community. It’s about the team. And I believe that DeMarcus Ware gave him that vision and helped push him along in that regard to become that professional.”

Third-year linebacker Shane Ray, talking with “The Drive” on Tuesday, echoed Schlereth.

“I really attribute a lot of my success and my growth in my two years to him taking me under his wing and really just giving me an opportunity to learn from a vet,” Ray said.

And not only did Ware leave an imprint on his former teammates but also the Broncos franchise, helping deliver Denver its third Super Bowl championship in 2015.

Because of that, Evans said he equates Ware with former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ray Bourque, who late in his career was traded from the Boston Bruins and helped secure the club its second Stanley Cup in 2001.

“Much like Ray Bourque with the Avalanche, who was here a short time, those two guys, you do not win a Cup, you do not win a Super Bowl without those guys,” Evans said.

Bourque’s contribution helped earn him a spot in the rafters of the Pepsi Center, and Evans said the Broncos should follow in kind.

“Just as you don’t win a Cup without Bourque, and that justifies his, in my opinion, his number being retired, you don’t win a Super Bowl without DeMarcus Ware. That’s why his name should be up there in that Ring of Fame,” Evans said.

Schlereth agreed, saying Denver should forego its “rule” that a player must be Bronco for four seasons or more to earn the Ring of Fame honor.

“There are certain guys that you circumvent the rulebook for based upon the impact and the value they bring to your organization, not just on the football field but far beyond the football field,” Schlereth said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.