DeMarcus Ware made heartbreaking gesture to deceased former teammates at HOF induction

Former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rusher DeMarcus Ware reserved seats at his Hall of Fame induction for three of his teammates who passed away.

Saturday was a big fan for NFL fans, as they got to watch some of the all-time greats receive their induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. From receiving their gold jackets to unveiling their official busts that will be moved into the Hall of Fame.

One of the big names receiving induction was former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware on just his second year on the ballot. On Saturday, Ware was introduced to the stage by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and they unveiled Ware’s bust.

During Ware’s speech, he was overcome with emotion when sharing that he reserved three seats at the Hall of Fame ceremony for three teammates who passed away in recent years. Those players were Cowboys running back Marion Barber, Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, and Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

“We lost some guys too soon,” said Ware. “Demaryius Thomas. Ronnie Hillman. Marion Barber. I held some seats in my heart for you guys here today. Keep resting in peace fellas.”

DeMarcus Ware reserves seats at Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Demaryius Thomas, Ronnie Hillman, and Marion Barber

Ware played three seasons with Thomas and two with Hillman during his time with the Broncos. The trio won Super Bowl 50 after the team defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the big game. It was the first time that the three players won the Super Bowl in their careers.

Thomas passed away on Dec. 9, 2021, at the age of 33 due to complications from a seizure disorder.

Hillman passed away on Dec. 22, 2022, at the age of 31 after a battle with renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.

As for Ware and Barber, they started their careers in Dallas as draft picks in 2005. The duo played for the Cowboys from their rookie years until the conclusion of the 2010 season.

Barber passed away on June 1, 2022, at the age of 38 due to a heat stroke.

Ware paid tribute to Thomas at the start of Thursday’s Hall of Fame game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Ware said that the two would sing the national anthem together on the sidelines before games.

On Saturday, Ware honored his three teammates with this moving gesture.