Hines Ward Refutes Retirement Speculation: "Let me set the record straight: I have no plans on retiring right now."
by Michael Bean on Jan 9, 2012 5:21 PM EST
in Steelers Rumors
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PrintThat didn't take long. Not one day had passed since the Pittsburgh Steelers bowed out of the 2011 NFL Playoffs with their shocking 29-23 OT loss to the Denver Broncos that the media hit the ground running with rampant speculation about the pending retirement of Hines Ward. Well, hold the phone according to none other than Ward himself. Writing on his Facebook page late Monday afternoon, Ward had the following to say about his retirement plans....or lack thereof:
I'm also getting lots of questions about retirement so let me set the record straight: I have no plans on retiring right now. I want to win another Superbowl. I don't know where the media is getting this info from but rest assured that when I decide to retire, you'll hear it from ME first. - HINES
Ward began his post by expressing disappointment and apologies to Steeler Nation for the way the Steelers performed in Sunday afternoon's loss to Denver. All class, as usual, from the future Hall of Famer.
We'll speculate about Ward's future with the Steelers, and whether or not the unthinkable of him finishing his career elsewhere is in the cards, but for now, let's just start every conversation about No. 86 under the assumption that he will not in fact be hanging it up after 14 wildly successful seasons with the black-and-gold.
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the numbers he put up this year indicate
that he retired last year.
Love ya Hines – but every player has his time, and your time is up. If he doesn’t retire, then I see the team cutting him. The sad reality is that I don’t see any team picking him up either.
crazyness!
If you don’t think Steelers West would pick him up in a heartbeat, then you be crazy! Just kidding, but not really. I do think teams could find use of him, and some young team will have no problem taking a gamble on him because of his character and ability to mentor.
I think he’ll restructure though and stay in Pittsburgh. Will have to look at cap situation, but I don’t think it’s terribly dire where the team is totally without options to work something out.
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+1
I don’t think Hines has lost any of his skills; it’s mainly that the Steelers have preferred to throw the ball deep and Ben’s mobility has been shot lately. Hines was always the guy that Ben would look for when he got flushed out of the pocket. I think Hines could still be effective if we used him as a possession receiver as we’ve done in the past. Maybe we just need some better material in our playbook. I want Hines to retire a Steeler when he’s ready to go on his own terms. This is the greatest all-around player I’ve ever seen on the gridiron.
46 catches with an 8 yard average
it looks like he’s lost something this year to me. I don’t see him coming back unless he takes a pay cut like you say – but in order for that to happen I think they have to get out of this contract. $5M for 381 yards is way out of whack.
Hines has never been a fast WR, so what are you saying he has lost?
He’s always been a scrapper who can get open when the play breaks down or snag a quick slant on 3rd down and hold onto the ball when getting pounded by a LB or safety. But we rarely used him that way this season. By the way, I’ll take that 8-yd. average any day of the week. But I do agree that, if we’re not planning to play Ward more often, we probably can’t afford to keep him, even though he’s practically an NFL legend.
He's never been fast but he could get seperation
he can’t get seperation anymore. Although last year against the Jets he did jog 10 yards down the field turn around slowly and was somehow open.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 10, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
exactly
Ward was never a burner in a 40 yard dash, but he was quick. He doesn’t seem to have that quickness anymore. Bums me out because he has been my favorite player in this edition of the Steelers. Unfortunately time doesn’t stand still, and it’s time to move on.
I’d love for him to prove us wrong, but I don’t see it happening.
Are you nuts??
Seriously???
He didn’t retire “last year,” and I don’t know where you get “numbers” from…but if you know ANYThING at all about football, nit fantasy football, you know it’s not about numbers, especially when you talk about a player like Ward.
And no, I don’t want what you’re smoking.
What an asinine post.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
irony at it’s finest… and how do YOU evaluate effectiveness? is it being on the field in big moments? if so, hines also “retired last year” because especially towards the end of this season, he spend a lot of time on the bench. when they have to design 30 preplanned snaps to get your ass in the game, you’re outclassed.
it’s probably some up in the clouds thing like extrapolating antonio browns success as hines wards mentoring. where the hell is his mentoring on wallace, who has fallen off the face of the planet and has been exposed as weak at the point of attack when going for the ball
That's too bad
He’s either gone or be back for the vet minimum as the team’s first cheerleader. The queestion is why would he want to go to some other toilet of a team just to be their third or fourth receiever? He’s clearly not a starter anymore, regardless of the team.
by average joe blow on Jan 9, 2012 5:44 PM EST reply actions
"Right Now"
Those two words are key, every great player wants to go out on their own terms, and not be prodded by the media. The twitter feed mentioned the expectation, and was probably accurate. I’m sure a part of Ward wants another shot at a third ring, and who can blame him? But he would have to take a huge pay cut, and not sure where else he would go to play for a real contender.
I feel Ward will take some time, and eventually make the right decision to retire in Black and Gold. His comments earlier in the season about his reduced role leads one to believe he knows the end of the line is near.
by SteelStealth on Jan 9, 2012 5:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
If Hines does retire, can we make him our new OC?
I’m sure he knows more about attacking a defense than Arians ever will.
Definatly needs to be a WR coach
maybe Charlie can be a QB coach
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 9, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Lost a step?
No doubt. Diminished output? no ? Over the hill athletically? Probably. Value to the Steelers organization? Immesurable!
IMHO, no player over the last decade has better displayed the Steeler attitude, aura, or gritty, grind out a win Steeler football style of play than Hines Ward. The guy jus brings more gr8ness 2 our team than we had any possible reason 2 expect. Mayb i’m jus 2 sentimental, but i simply can’t remember any gr8 n season or post season run we’ve had, ova the last decade, that 86 wasn’t a part of (& i don’t mean a small part, or a role palyer).
4tunately, we don’t root 4 an organization that discards players on the dwnside of their careers like used motor oil. Lets make a list of all the players, not jus of the Steelers, but n the entire NFL, that hv done more, or even as much, w the physical skill set Hines has. Remember that phrase, now, perhaps a cliche, ‘U can’t measure the hrt of a champion?’ That phrase mayb tired, but it’s the most apt expression i can apply 2 this, 1 of our most beloved & endearing champions.
Believe this or don’t: Hines still has a bounty 2 contribute 2 this organization, 1 way or another & we would b the lesser team w/o him.
Hines, stay, please stay, unless u want 2 c this grown man (u kno i ll do it) cry.
when u can bring urself 2b grateful 4 ur problems u`ll begin 2 harvest their positive value. life is difficult; but out of that difficulty can grow meaning & beauty, f u r open 2 it. n each disappointment is the seed of fulfillment. learn what it has 2 teach & u`ll b moving urself 4ward.
The more you sweat in training, the less you'll bleed in battle.
Like a lot of other things gone wrong, I blame BA.
His antsy-pants offense can’t use a possession receiver like Ward. Hines was taken out of the Steelers’ offense when he went down with a couple of injuries and then they never truly let him back in after they got AB. If Ward felt he couldn’t still play, he wouldn’t go out there and embarrass himself. He’s got way too much class for that.
I love Hines, but his time is up
Let him go out one year from the top instead of continuing to decline.
by Steelzombie on Jan 10, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Who has diminished abilities...
…but re-worked his contract to accept a lesser role, and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl in Detroit.
Whose to say Ward won’t do something similar?
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
I Believe!
You said it……..heart and emotion. If the organization starts tossing all of the vets (esp. Hines), there will loose a lot of the heart and emotion that keeps that team going. If anyone thinks that heart doesn’t count and is always second behind ability, there are literally hundreds of examples that disproves that theory. Hines still has the ability to make the plays – if given the chance. And honestly, I understand all of the hype regarding Big Ben. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is tough and gritty and good, but IMHO a little overreated. I hope he proves me wrong, I really do. Our offensive stats are good, but they aren’t in the numbers of GB and NE as far as passing goes. Flame me if you must, but that is how I feel. And MeanJoeGreen, this grown woman join you in the cry if Hines goes.
by Steelcity gal on Jan 10, 2012 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully he stays and next year tge entire tean revolves around the "win one for Hines" motto like they
Did with Bettis in 05
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Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Jan 9, 2012 7:04 PM EST via Android app reply actions
only difference is
hines has two rings, the bus didn’t have one…..
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 10, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
very good point
Ward is much more likely to hang it up, after the emotion is out of the equation.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
One more year!! One more year!!
by Steelchamps !! on Jan 9, 2012 7:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Hines Future
I have been a Hines Ward backer since he was drafted. Got no web posts to prove it, but I thought he was the real deal going back to 1999.
The one thing I will say is that Hines had more drops this year than I’d ever seen.
But I agree, I hope he restructures and comes back for at least one more year.
I agree, but how can he get into a rhythm with no offseasn and no snaps during the season?
he caught most of what was thrown his way, Ben is also responsible for a lot of bad passes this year. Hines still has gas in the tank, I think they just need to be a bit more creative to keep him active in the offense. Hell, he could be our #3 QB…
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 10, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Great career..possible HoF but no longer a viable NFL WR. Glad the Ravens got the last two shots on him and wish him the best. I appreciated his toughness, if not his tango
Good luck, Ward
by Evan Skev on Jan 9, 2012 7:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He got 48 receptions this year as the #5 WR
I think he is still a capable NFL WR if he plays for the Vet minimum
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by seton hall and steelers on Jan 9, 2012 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
agreed on first point
perfectly fine numbers for the amount of chances he got. Don’t agree he needs to play for vet minimum. B-Mac didn’t play for vet minimum this year so why should Ward? Also, don’t expect Manny Sanders to stay healthy consistently ever. I like the kid tons when he’s healthy, but I’ve said it all season that I don’t think he can be trusted to stay healthy for more than 10-12 games a year. Still room for Ward to contribute next year provided he’ll play for 1-1.5 million. I think it’s too much to ask someone of his caliber to take vet minimum. Who knows though.
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I could see that happening
Bettis was getting between $2 and 3 million his last year, I believe. I expected his declining years to look more in the neighborhood of 500 – 700 yards, though. But, I think he’s 4th on the team right now in WR skills, behind Brown, Wallace, and Cotchery (assuming Cotchery re-signs, which I think he will). Sanders may also be ahead, but it’s been tough to tell this year, due to his injuries.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 9, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
Let's hope that Woodley doesn't turn into another Manny Sanders.
He was almost useless against the Broncos and he missed a lot of games.
Same with Pouncey.
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jan 10, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
How many of his targets were a result of direct orders of Tomlin and possibly to the detriment of the team. Tomlin made sure ward got his 1K. No Ward will likely move on. I’m sure it will be handled gracefully.
by Evan Skev on Jan 9, 2012 10:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The Standard is the Standard...
…and thus, if Ward was thrown a pass, it was to advance the ball. That simple. Now, Tomlin may have kept the ideal that Ward needed only a few more for a great milestone, but in the end, I don’t believe anything was said/done that would have been detrimental to the team, just for one player’s sake.
I don’t see Ward playing for any other team. He knows he epitomy of the Steelers; why risk that image, and all the benefit he can receive from it, by diluting it with another team’s jersey?
I also don’t see Ward retiring. What I think will happen is he will report to training camp, write his name the tape covering his number on his helment, and go out and compete for his position, just as he has done these past 13 years. If he doesn’t earn his position, he will retire; he has always said, he has to earn his job, year after year. No change now.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
his 1000th catch was to advance the ball a whole 3 yards? doubtful. And as a college professor, you should always know, its never that simple.
Tomlinisms are starting to infect the logically thinking brains around here.
IIRC, Ward was the #3 checkdown on that particular play...
…so his reaching 1,000 catches was incidental; Ben saw no one else to go to. I’m sure the Steelers, and Ward in particular would have preferred a splashier play for such a milestone.
Tomlinisms are simply entertaining, but if they were all he had, if he had no real substance to his coaching abilities, do you think the Rooneys would have hired him?
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
He got 48 receptions only because...
The organization wanted him to have 1000 receptions on his career. And he got it barely. The last catch was the dfinition of the word Begrudging.
He will not be back, and will not make the team if he does.
I love the guy, one of my top 3 Steelers. I would have preferred a happier sendoff, but that is where we are.
by Steelzombie on Jan 10, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
He just can't get open anymore
that quickness that he had just isn’t there anymore
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 10, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 10, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
One year, Vet minimum
You can’t get a better 4th receiver who already knows the offense and has a rapport with Ben. His size/speed was never what made him great anyway.
I'm sure we'd love to have him for the Vet Minimum
But that would involve Hines swallowing a ton of pride and reworking his deal. I wouldn’t put it past him but most vets don’t have that in them.
by average joe blow on Jan 10, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Take it or leave it, Hines
HATE to have to write that, but deep down even he knows his time is up. If he wants the minimum to suit up and be our 5, then here’s the olive branch. Other than that, here’s your gold watch, let’s call it.
I'd rather have a big, tall young WR to groom at the #5 spot
than a washed up Hines. Yes he’s a quality guy whom we will always admire, but his time has come. The young money guys have learned all they can from you. The students have now become the teacher. Roster spots are so invaluable these days. We need a big, physical WR to add to the aresenal.
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Jan 9, 2012 8:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Hines was under-utilized this year
The big pass play is what the Steelers drooled over. They could have sent Hines over the middle to sit and catch for 5-10 yards and did some ground and pound with the run to open it up for the big play more. But they were all about the deep play with no protection and now we see how that worked out. Injured QB.
Then why is Cotchery used as much as he is
he’s not a burner by any strectch of the imagination.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 10, 2012 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
What the what?
Jerrico caught 16 passes, Hines caught 46?? I’m confused.
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 10, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Hines was forced those passes
cotchery missed half the season
I think its self explanatory.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 10, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Hines was forced 46 passes? Man, you need new beer goggles.
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 11, 2012 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Agree - thought for sure we would use him last night...
Many times I thought we would have him “sit down” in coverage like you said when we were struggling and get those clutch possession catches. All of those sideline passes to Wallace were off accuracy or timing wise (I attribute directly to the leg). We needed him and he wasn’t substantively in the game plan.
by SteelCurtain4Life on Jan 9, 2012 9:20 PM EST reply actions
My I remind you BA is still the OC
everyone go long, does not work for Ward.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
Indeed
And, I think, BA will finally be gone after this season. Maybe voluntarily, but I don’t care whether it is or not.
Get a premiere interior lineman to start. Have better luck with injuries. Give #7 time to throw, and better protection, and there IS a role for Hines in the offense, even if it’s a diminished one, and at vet minimum.
It’s not about the $ for him, and I don’t think he’s ready to end his career just yet. More importantly, while he’s not a starter any more, I DO think he can help this team win more games by being on it for one last year.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 11, 2012 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Emotions
are still raw after yesterday’s loss, and I’m sure Ward didn’t appreciate being asked about retirement so soon. He’s earned the right to take his time making this important decision, I don’t think we’re talking about Brett Favre here.
I feel after some time has elapsed, and Ward has had the opportunity to reflect upon everything, he’ll decide to hang it up. He’s done just about everything there’s to do in this game, so he’ll have to weigh that against going through the grind and punishment of another season.
No, they just keep saying it long enough...
…and they’ll eventually be right.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Right, and allow me to make a similarly brilliant prediction.
The days of the digital watch are numbered.
Class act
Hines is the face of the Steelers offense. He does everything that is asked of him to the best of his abilties. I place blame on Coach Tomlin and Arians. We became very 1 dimensional this year, which made it hard to adapt when we needed to. I believe that Ward still has the skill set to perform the job at a high enough level to play in the NFL.
This is already tearing me up
The very thought of seeing the great Hines Ward seriously injured or humiliated is heartbreaking. Do I want to see another Steeler end up like Franco? Or might he be another Rod Woodson?
So I ask myself: who do I trust here? A man who has never overestimated his abilities and used what he had to make himself an NFL legend? Or whoever has been designing this year’s offensive strategies?
A lot of our talent this year seemed poorly used, not just Hines. I’m going to trust Hines and hope for the best.
Trust Hines
I trust this guy. He knows when the time is right to bow out. I can’t see him leaving the Steelers. OMG – that thought alone rips me to shreds. And if/when he decides to retire……I hope that the Steeler Organization can offer him a role….I don’t want to see him leave the Burgh!
by Steelcity gal on Jan 10, 2012 3:33 AM EST up reply actions
When his time comes
I’ll definitely miss seeing him out there delivering OR receiving a big hit (or both), making a clutch reception and grinning the widest smile you’ve ever seen a football player display the whole way…
by TheHumbleOne on Jan 10, 2012 4:40 AM EST up reply actions
End of an era
The Steelers kept Hines while they let a lot of good receivers go. Now Hines can leave with a thousand catches’ 2 rings, a SB MVP and a DWTS title.
If he played special teams, he might fit the 5 or 6 receiver spot. He does not and he has the personality to move on to broadcasting.
by Yinzer Z on Jan 10, 2012 5:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hines - It was a great career
I’m sure it is hard to accept the fact that father time has caught up, but it has. He could still find a hole in zone coverage, but in man coverage he could not get open. He had limited speed when he was younger, but could still manage to get open. Now he has lost that.
We are $20+ Million over the cap. This is an easy financial decision.
There will be more going out the door. Next 2 years will be rough. 2014 we will be back in the thick of it. Younger and quicker. Get the young guys on the field now and let them grow.
by Steeler Nation VA on Jan 10, 2012 10:42 AM EST reply actions
We will be in it next year, but with a different look
Fortunately we have drafted well
by Steelzombie on Jan 10, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I saw Hines jump over defenders this year and also throw some great blocks....
…but I also saw him sitting on the ground, dazed, after getting his bell rung.
Hines is as stubborn as a MIssouri mule, and he uses “slights” such as people saying he’s washed up or that he’s going to retire to spur himself on. That’s what’s going on now.
I’ve read how sportswriters cried as they helped Joe Louis get back in the ring after Rocky Marciano knocked him out. And I remember how sad it was to see Muhammad Ali struggle and take a beating in his last fights. Both great champions stayed too long.
Hines Ward is my favorite Steeler of the modern era (post Steel Curtain). He exemplifies the team in every way. If he wants to stay another year at reduced salary, that’s fine. If he wants to be a coach – with the understanding that he might be activated in the event of injuries to other plays, that’s fine, too.
I just don’t want my favorite player to stay too long at the fair. He’s played the game with unmatched ferocity and dedication. He has nothing left to prove.
Above all, I don’t want him to meet an end like Joe Louis or Muhammad Ali, great warriors losing to Father Time.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
by Homer J. on Jan 10, 2012 10:48 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Couldn't be said any better Homer J.
"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin
by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 10, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Absolutely
Hines is also at a stage in his career where it’s hard to tell the difference between being stubborn, and having something left.
I noticed he took a bit longer to get up a couple times this year. Whether those were just some particularly hard hits, or a harbinger of things to come, we don’t know yet. We will see what the offseason brings, and then, if he’s there for training camp, what transpires.
Hopefully, when his time comes, unlike other greats, he will know it, and do the best thing for himself. He’s certainly earned the right to go out on his own terms, but hopefully, he also gets a chance to go out on wise ones, whatever form that takes.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 11, 2012 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
He should take a paycut if he is going to stay
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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Aint it great to be a fan
by average joe blow on Jan 10, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
Can we stop calling him a future hall of famer when Carter and Reed aren’t even in yet? They’re both as good as Ward if not better. The term in general is over used by fans and if you polled this forum I would bet cold hard money the masses think we have like 5 future hall of famers on our team.
Troy is probably the ONLY one and his stats aren’t even that impressive.
Hines will be an interesting case and it'll take a lot longer than most Steelers fans want to admit
His stat totals won’t even get him in the conversation and it’ll all depend on how much weight the voters put on his team’s success and his total game/intagibles. Either way, it won’t be anytime soon. If he gets into the Hall, it’ll be as a very old man.
by average joe blow on Jan 10, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
One of only 8 men in NFL history with 1,000 catches...
…and he has12,000 yards, and a style of play that changed the way defenders played around him, having to take him into account as a blocker of major consequence.
I’m sure you’ll be able to list dozens of stats for other receivers not in the HOF that may exceed many of Wards, but you can’t touch the 1 of 8 stat. That alone, is remarkable enough to put him into HOF consideration. Add 2 Lombardis, a Super Bowl MVP and his other stats, and I think it is more than reasonable for Steeler Nation to consider him a future Hall of Famer.
Not the Nation’s fault if the HOF committee is unable, or unwilling to resolve its selection criteria as it pertains to receivers. And players who make the HOF in their last year of eligibility, are no less Hall of Fame players, than those who make it on the first ballot.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Chris Carter has over 1,100 receptions and almost 14,000 yards and he hasn't gotten in yet
Pretty sure that touches the 1 of 8 stat.
by average joe blow on Jan 10, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Fine, then Carter is one of the 8....
…still doesn’t invalidate my agrument. And the fact that Carter hasn’t made it in yet merely means Ward will probably face the same roadblocks, which are as unfair to Carter as they will be to Ward.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
definitely not, but we don’t usually make a habit of calling someone who’s going to have to wait a long time or may not even be certain a future hall of famer.
His post season success and the 1000 catches separate him from the rest of the pack, so he won’t be an Art Monk type hold out, but like joe blow said, Carter is second in almost every receiving mark to only Jerry Rice and he doesnt look like he’s getting in any time soon to me.
I actually think Andre Reed is much more similar, in terms of HOF chances, than Carter. Carter’s receptions and yards aren’t that much more than Wards but his touchdown total is far more impressive (130 to 85).
Reed’s numbers are far more similar to Wards (951 for 13,198 and 87 vs. 1000 for 12083 and 85). I know they played in drastically different offenses but Reed played on a highly successful team, as did Ward, and he’s at least third in line for the Hall behind Carter and Tim Brown and soon to be behind Moss, Owens and Marvin Harrison. I’m not saying he never gets in, just saying that Ward supporters need to get comfortable.
by average joe blow on Jan 10, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
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