DeMarcus Ware Interview: Dallas Cowboys Star Talks Injury Recovery and More

DeMarcus Ware hasn't been able to participate in offseason activities due to injury, but that doesn't mean he isn't improving his game. The Dallas Cowboys defensive end has been studying tape of past great linemen, rehabbing from shoulder surgery and getting ready to return to the field.

In a one-on-one interview granted on behalf of Lactaid, Ware discussed how his offseason preparation has gone among other topics. Here's what the seven-time Pro Bowler had to say:

Alex Hall: You were a little banged up last season and are going to miss team mini-camps coming up, how has your recovery been going and how do you feel?

DeMarcus Ware: It’s been really good, just working out [and] rehabbing. Haven’t been able to do any OTAs but I feel great. [I’m] just listening to the physicians about when they want me to come back and just doing the right things and eating right.

AH: You’re not typically a guy that gets banged up. Has it been hard having to sit out the OTAs and offseason activities?

DW: It has. I’ve always been really active and never really missed any practices or any games. Though, being able to sit on the sidelines you learn a lot mentally. You figure out how to really make your game a lot better.

AH: This time last year I asked you about the difference between Rob Ryan’s 3-4 and other coaches you've had over the years. Now, the defense is switching to a 4-3 with Monte Kiffin. How do you feel about that switch and do you think it will be a difficult transition?

DW: Usually when you go from defensive end to outside linebacker, there’s a big transition because you’ve got to learn a lot more of the offensive scheme and drop a lot more.

Going from outside linebacker from defensive end, it’s a little bit easier because now your responsibilities change. You’re a defensive lineman now. Now it’s just reading keys and trying to figure out how to get to the quarterback 99 percent of the time.

AH: I read you’re watching old tape of Simeon Rice and Too Tall Jones to adjust to your new role. Is there anything you’ve been able to pick up from those guys already?

DW: I’m still learning. I mean, it’s always a learning process. With [Rod] Marinelli coming in here and showing us how Simeon Rice and Too Tall Jones did it…guys that were before me that I idolized, that’s what you’ve got to look at see how they did it before you and try to do the same things that they did.

AH: This offseason, a lot was made about Tony Romo’s new contract. How did you feel when the deal went down? Does it feel good to have your quarterback locked up for the long haul?

DW: Yeah, a lot of the accomplishments that he’s had and the way that he plays and what brings to the game, I mean he’s the guy for us.

I feel like he’s going to push us to that next level. Me and him, we haven’t done any OTAs, but mentally we’re preparing ourselves to get ready for the season. We’re going to push forward and do the best we can.

AH: You’re lactose intolerant. Is it hard to be an athlete with this condition or does it not affect you?

DW: I think that it can be a lot more challenging because you have to take in a lot of the protein shakes because you can’t eat a whole bunch of meat all the time.

You’ve got to change it up a little bit. Eat a lot of ice cream and I like my milk and cookies so you’ve just got to figure out how to get over that hump and that challenge.