Hines Ward and Steelers Parting Ways as Pittsburgh Releases WR
The Pittsburgh Steelers released 36-year old Wide Receiver Hines Ward today, marking the end of Ward's 14-year run with the team.
While with the Steelers, Ward earned four Pro Bowl selections and was the 2006 Super Bowl MVP. He also leads the team in almost every receiving category, having accrued 1,000 catches, 12,083 yards, and 85 receiving touchdowns while wearing the black and yellow.
Ward also helped the Steelers win three AFC championships, two Super Bowls, and even won a championship of a very different sort on ABC's Dancing With the Stars.
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In spite of his past successes, Ward's production had begun to trail off last season, with just two games in which he recorded more than 50 receiving yards.
He also only caught two touchdowns in 2011, both in the Steelers' Week Five win over Tennessee.
Over the offseason, Ward tried to restructure his contract so that he could stay with the Steelers throughout the remainder of his career, although it seems Pittsburgh still was not interested.
"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end," Ward said in a statement. "I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago."
Still, Ward believes that this is not the end of his career.
"I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL, again, this upcoming season," Ward said.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Ward has also been noted for his charitable work.
After his 2006 Super Bowl win, Ward returned to his native South Korea for a "hope-sharing" meeting with other mixed-race children. On the final day of his trip, Ward donated $1 million to form the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which helps to fight discrimination against mixed-race children in South Korea.
"The Bible says all people are brothers and sisters. I believe there is a reason why God called me to come to Korea," said Ward.
