Ever since DeMarcus Ware entered The NFL back in 2005, he's always been one of the more superior athletes on the field. Now he has the bank account to match. Today, The Cowboys made Ware one of the highest paid defensive players in the league by locking him up to a six year deal worth 78 million dollars; 40 million of that is guaranteed. DeMarcus has no problems with his new contract extension.

"I feel like I've gotten what I deserved," Ware said. "You can't ask for too much money. They (Cowboys) need room to work too."

Ware's numbers speak for themselves. His sack total has increased every year he's been in the league. D-Ware has also gone to three consecutive Pro Bowls. On top of that, Ware is coming off a league best, 20 sack season. But what's more impressive than his stats, is his character.

During the off-season, DeMarcus sat by and watch other prominent defensive players cash in. During training camp, Ware was asked time after time, what's taking The Cowboys so long to offer him a contract extension. DeMarcus didn't complain or threaten to hold out. Instead he continued to do the things that's gotten him to where he's at today... and that's continuing to practice hard, challenge his teammates and whatever else it took to make he and his team better.

There's a reason why you never hear any bad reports on DeMarcus. Off the field, he's as soft as cotton candy. He's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. But on the field, he's a machine. He doesn't take plays off. His work ethic inspires others. He's a leader in every sense of the word. So by The Cowboys breaking the bank to keep Ware (who at the age of 27, is just entering his prime) in Dallas, is easily one of the smartest decisions this franchise has ever made. 

When the 12 Cowboys draft picks arrived at Valley Ranch for their first workout of rookie camp, they felt a little overwhelmed to be in the big show, but they were only competing against fellow rookies.

Then the veterans arrived for the OTA's and Mini Camp and their taste of the NFL got a little saltier.  Now that they've put on the pads for the first two-a-day workout of training camp, Bradie James had to chuckle a bit about what those rooks are going through.

"Oh some of the rookies, they're learning." James said.   "It's not a game that you play in shorts and jerseys.  This was the first day with pads, the guys were getting a little roughed up, but I think the rookies look decent. You have to be consistent.  You can't celebrate one play and have a down play; you can't take a play off, you have to be right every play."

Just a few of the lessons Bradie is trying to teach some of the youngsters who have five more
practices before the new week arrives.  DeMarcus Ware still vividly remembers his rookie season in 2005 coming to the Cowboys from Troy State.  He's now doing his best to mentor another player from a small school, Jason Williams from Western Illinois.

"The thing is right now he's listening, he's listening and he's learning as much as he can" Ware said about the first player the Cowboys drafted this year with the 69th overall pick. "  He's an athlete just in general and he had a great first day today in half pads on.  A lot of the guys who are rookies, they were learning and just moving forward."

You're looking for leaders on the Cowboys?  Looks like you just found two of them in James and Ware.

Much more from Day 2 of Cowboys Training Camp coverage including Desmond Purnell's report on Tony Romo's first chat with the media...tonight on The 33 News at 9:00pm