About

Wen the Dallas Cowboys were looking for an explosive playmaker, they found that and a whole lot more in DeMarcus Ware. In just a few short years, this 262 lb., 6’4” linebacker emerged as a defensive force to be reckoned with, amassing a staggering 53 sacks with an impressive 20 in 2008 alone. Today, ESPN describes him as “the most dynamic defender in the league right now.”

After leading Troy University to its first-ever bowl appearance, DeMarcus earned a degree in Business Information Systems and was the first member of his family to graduate from college. In 2005 he married Taniqua Smith, a former member of the U.S. Air Force, and the couple are now proud parents of a daughter, Marley. Children are near and dear to DeMarcus’s heart as evidenced by his involvement in numerous youth-centered charities and organizations throughout the Dallas area. And, as the first NFL player to win the Butkus Award, which is given to athletes who are committed to playing steroid free, he’s equally committed to helping kids realize the importance of making good choices in life. Needless to say, being a role model is something DeMarcus doesn’t take lightly.

The road to fatherhood has been a difficult journey for DeMarcus, but one that thankfully has a happy ending. His wife Taniqua had three difficult pregnancies, which included the birth and death of a son, Omar, in 2006. But the couple believed that children were definitely in their future and, after much prayer, decided to adopt. Their daughter Marley was born in February 2008. After experiencing this precious gift, DeMarcus and Taniqua are considering adopting again and are still hopeful that one day they will be able to conceive a biological child.