Durability has been a hallmark of DeMarcus Ware's impressive NFL career, but his body may have had enough.
The Broncos outside linebacker will have back surgery and be placed on injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday, ending a season that already has seen him miss five games with a broken arm.
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In his 12th NFL season, the most recent injury blow might be enough to compel Ware to hang it up. He certainly doesn't have much left to accomplish in the game, particularly after picking up a long-sought Super Bowl title last season.
The 34-year-old is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and has been named first- or second-team All-Pro seven times. He's eighth all-time with 138.5 sacks, including four this season. That total is thanks in part to his ability to stay on the field; he didn't miss a game from 2005-12.
Ware also is set to become a free agent after this season as he finishes out his three-year, $30 million contract with the Broncos after spending the first nine seasons of his career with Dallas.
