Ware, NFL linebacker of recent Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos, admitted that MMA training helped him to outplay younger guys on the field, when the feeling of age began to overwhelm him.
DeMarcus Ware, 33, marked his Super Bowl 50 appearance with an exceptional performance in the Broncos’ defence line against the Panthers’ linemen. In a recent interview, Ware admitted that part of his performance was the result of extensive MMA training he got during the midseason period.
“If I didn’t learn martial arts, I’d be just a basic dip-and-rip guy just trying to go around the corner,” Ware told The42.ie.
Ware added that specific moves from MMA training like grappling to control the opponent’s body helped him stand his ground when the opposing linemen put their hands on his chest during the scramble.
“So, doing the martial arts stuff, it’s really helped me out,” Ware said. “And it sort of teaches you self-defense, how to move, but also to dictate what you want offensive linemen to do and what you want the guy in front of you to do.”
DeMarcus Ware isn’t the only NFL player who has applied MMA elements in his game. Broncos’ long-time opponent Marshawn Lynch of Seattle Seahawks used to work with Tareq Azim, an MMA coach from San Francisco.