Six years removed, DeMarcus Ware still misses NFL training camp

Some might think that training camp would be something retired NFL players love to not have to participate in. Not the case for DeMarcus Ware!

NFL training camp is a grueling experience. In the heat of summer, players need to start virtually from scratch and put their bodies and minds through the wringer to prepare for the season ahead.

Ware is built different, though, and somehow misses the grind of the preseason.

Ware spoke as an advocate for Sleep Number to Malcom Harris-Gowdie, a reporter on-site in Arizona during Super Bowl week on behalf of the Special Olympics and FanSided. Here’s what Ware said he misses about being an active player.

DeMarcus Ware reminisces on Cowboys training camp days with recollections of pranks

"“I think the memories that people really don’t think about is those locker room memories, being a captain every year, preparing for the season, and all the memories of training camp. You know, training camp was horrific. You’re preparing for the season, you got 90 guys coming in, so many emotions, but I prepare for that, like, I love that. I like to lead those guys, I mentor them, and so I miss that. And to be able to get something like that back, especially losing that twith retiring, I think those are the memories I really miss.”"

As mentioned, most players don’t mention training camp when they think of things they miss from playing days. One would think maybe he’d mention something about winning the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015 (though, Harris-Gowdie initially asked Ware about a Cowboys memory, so fair enough there).

Perhaps that’s why Ware made the Hall of Fame and nine Pro Bowl appearances, though. He was all about everything you could do all year long to put yourself in the best position possible. The trench days matter, too.

Later in the interview, when Harris-Gowdie asked if Ware had a funny memory to share from his time with the Cowboys, Ware shared about a time he and Adam ‘PacMan’ Jones were participating in some rookie hazing, and they poured a giant barrel of water on then-rookie Felix Jones from a balcony up above.

Other highlights from the discussion were Ware saying Von Miller reminds him most of himself.

DeMarcus Ware joined Malcom Harris-Gowdie, the Special Olympics, and FanSided on behalf of Sleep Number.