Hines Ward officially announced his retirement today in a press conference called by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I will remain a Steeler for life,” Ward said. To Steelers fans he added, “You guys meant the world to me.”
Ward had an exceptional career with the Steelers as their all time leading receiver, finishing with exactly 1,000 receptions for 12,084 yards and 85 touchdowns. Last season, he was relegated to the number 3 receiver role with the emergence of young receiving stars Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.
His 1000 receptions puts him eighth on the all time list, and his 85 touchdowns ties him for thirteenth all time, with Hall of Famers Paul Warfield and Lance Alworth.
Ward should be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, although that process could take a while as there seems to be a glut of worthy receivers who aren’t getting in as quickly as you’d think. Former Buffalo Bill Andre Reed is ahead of Ward with 87 touchdowns and 13,198 yards, but Reed was passed over after being a finalist once again this past season.
Perhaps Ward has a secret weapon in swaying Hall of Fame voters, as in addition to his four Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl titles, he also walked away with the title from Season 12 of Dancing With the Stars. If Ward gets in before Reed, perhaps Reed should dig out his dancing shoes.
