Cowboys Star Donates $3.2 Million Incentives to Veterans’ Mental Health Program
Arlington, TX – September 23, 2025 – Following the Dallas Cowboys’ triumph over the New York Giants, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Ware, a long-time philanthropist, revealed he will donate his full $3.2 million in incentives from his restructured 2025 contract to bolster veterans’ mental health initiatives.
Ware, now 37 and in his 15th season with the Cowboys (including his original tenure from 2005-2013 and a return in 2023), spoke with deep emotion. “Every sack I’ve made has been a tribute to our soldiers,” he said. “Now, it’s time to transform this money into real hope and tangible support for them.”
This generous act builds on Ware’s established DeMarcus Ware Foundation, which has supported Dallas youth since 2012. This time, he’s broadening his mission to aid the 18 million U.S. veterans, where suicide rates have risen 20% since 2020.
The donated funds will entirely finance the “Lone Star Resilience Program”, a collaboration with the NFL Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. Far from a simple donation, this program introduces cutting-edge training, technology, and community resources.
The initiative features training camps at AT&T Stadium, where 500 veterans will participate in gentle football drills paired with PTSD therapy. Ware, alongside teammates Ezekiel Elliott and Trevon Diggs, will take the field to foster a healing environment.
Additionally, a virtual reality (VR) application will offer exposure therapy to help veterans confront trauma, aiming to reach 10,000 users in its first year. The program will also establish five new recovery centers and provide scholarships to reduce wait times and better support families.
Cowboys fans ignited the hashtag #WareForWarriors, propelling it to national trending status. One supporter posted: “DeMarcus Ware is the heart of this team. $3.2 million for veterans? That’s why I bleed Cowboys blue forever.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer lauded Ware as the epitome of Cowboys’ values. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also extended congratulations, describing the program as a benchmark for players and a perfect alignment with the league’s community goals.
With his contract extending through 2026, Ware’s legacy transcends the gridiron. The Lone Star Resilience Program is set to launch in November, on Veterans Day, as a pledge: “In Dallas, courage knows no end.”
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