No, the Texans should not pick him up. [rquoter]The Steelers announced today that they will release Ward, in a widely expected but still difficult decision. “We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Steelers President Art Rooney II told Steelers.com. “Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998 and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve. He has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field, and we appreciate his efforts over the past 14 years. Hines’ accomplishments are numerous, and he will always be thought of as one of the all-time great Steelers. We wish him nothing but the best.” Ward, who will turn 36 next week, has been with the Steelers since they selected him in the third round of the 1998 NFL draft. He has won two Super Bowl rings, been chosen to four Pro Bowls and is the team’s all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.[/rquoter]
i have the biggest man crush on the guy. terrell suggs wouldn't call him by name, he's like, "the guy who is always smilling"
Is he going to retire? He is the reason why I started watching football. Can't thank that man enough.
I know football is a business but Steelers ****ed up on this one. Way to do one of your greatest players of all time and the all time greatest receiver of your franchise dirty. I don't care how good Wallace, Brown and Sanders have become. You let a legend like Ward go out on his own terms.
He was a complete non-factor last year, and the Steelers desperately need to use his roster spot for someone who will be a difference maker. This is the NFL.....not a rec league. Hines will be honored with every accolade the Steelers give I'm sure, and when he goes to the Hall of Fame, he will be wearing Black and Yellow.
He should retire. I understand the desire to compete and continue working. But there's almost nothing left for him to achieve in his career and he's had too many concussions as it is. If he wants to keep playing, just go to the IFL or something. Keep your NFL legacy in tact.
They can still re-sign him, but I hope they do not. WR's at his place in the depth chart need to be young projects that play on special teams. Loved his career and attitude though!
I don't they will since both parties make it seem like that is not being considered, and reportedly Ward wasn't even offered a chance to rework his deal to remain with the team. I agree that he should probably hang it up, and look to get into coaching.
In related news:Wallace won't get franchise tag, instead he receives the first round protection. So far I seem to be in the minority amongst Steeler fans on Wallace. Love him... oodles and oodles! But, play the rfa game and hope you can keep him at a decent contract. If they "lose", they at least receive compensation.
I hope you are right about the re-signing. But, really just don't want to see Olajuwon in Toronto again.
Its the right move. Wallace is good, and I think it would be a huge loss (mostly because he makes life easy for Antonio Brown), but with other top receiving options available, I don't see anybody giving up a 1st rounder and paying him big money.
Driver did a lot more last season than Ward did. Driver is still a serviceable Wide Receiver. It's time for Ward to retire. Toughest Wide Receiver ever?
Reject? Really? He's old with diminished skills. It happens. Dude is a Superbowl MVP and HOF player. Implying that would contribute to that flaming turd of a football team in NY is ludicrous.
