OXNARD, Calif. – If you're one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Rod Marinelli likely has tape of you. So before joining the Cowboys in January, Marinelli's collection already included footage of DeMarcus Ware.
Ware's tape speaks for itself, and Marinelli already knew the 30-year-old was arguably the game's best at getting to the quarterback. Over Ware's eight seasons in the NFL, he has averaged 13.8 sacks per season. The combination of power, strength and exceptional feet are what make Ware so dominant, according to the 64-year-old coach.
But even Marinelli has learned something about one of the league's best defenders over the last few months.
"Great leader, but his passion for pass rush is really something," Marinelli said. "You want guys who live it. You want guys who get up and say, 'I get to go to work today.' At least that's how I feel.
"I think the guy is absolutely consumed with pass rush. We'll finish a meeting and he will be in the hallway working with somebody. He loves it. He adores it."
When talking about the great pass rushers he's worked with over his time with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Marinelli immediately points to names like Julius Peppers and Simeon Rice.
And Marinelli says Ware ranks right there with the best.
"He's special," Marinelli said. "I've been around special. He's special."
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