OXNARD, Calif. – On Tuesday, DeMarcus Ware turned 30 and if you believe some NFL experts, Ware’s career should be on the decline.

Thirty seems to be the magic number for some, but early in camp there is no sign of Ware slowing down.

Jason Witten, who turned 30 in May, is glad Ware has joined the club.

“Hey, just getting started,” Witten said. “Glad to welcome him to the 30-and-over crew because that guy’s a freak. It’s good to have him in that group because he goes against all the odds about being older than 30. He’s a heckuva football player, a better guy and a great teammate. To go against the best in the business makes us all better.”

Ware has had at least 11 sacks in six straight seasons and as many as 20 in a season. He had 19.5 a year ago. Witten has had five straight seasons with at least 79 catches and as many as 96 in a season. He has three 1,000-yard seasons and three more with at least 942.

When he goes against Ware in practice, he admits to getting a little more excited.

“Love it,” Witten said. “More this year than in the past because he’s playing a little bit more on the left side. It’s a tremendous challenge. You talk about going against Jason Pierre-Paul, (Brian) Orakpo (in the season), it’s great work to go against DeMarcus because he’s so good. You’ve got to be on your game at all times. We have pretty good battles. I just try to even it out when it gets into pass coverage.”

But they don’t use any veteran tricks to take care of each other in camp.

“Coach Garrett doesn’t allow that anymore,” Witten joked. “Those days are long gone.”