On Friday, players will begin receiving payments from the NFL Players’ Association’s Lockout Fund, a sort of nest egg funded by past union dues paid by the players, but Cowboys’ linebacker DeMarcus Ware will not be one of them, as he has decided against accepting payment.
As a player who was on the active roster for each game of the 2009 and 2010 season, Ware is eligible for $60,000, to be paid over the next six weeks. However, as one of the best-paid defensive players in the league, Ware decided it best to decline the lockout payday.
"I think it builds a unity," said Ware, per ESPN Dallas, "and lets guys know there are players out there with you, who will give up their $60,000, that this is a brotherhood, this is a fraternity."
Ware signed a six-year contract extension in 2009 that will keep him in Dallas through 2016 and will pay the All Pro $78 million, $40 million of which is guaranteed--which is to say, he's doing alright. Even so, we can't imagine there are many folks in the league, whether financially stable or not, who would turn down a free 60K.
Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW Sports on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service. Read more about it here.
