Ward would be OK with pay cut

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Hines Ward wants to make a few things perfectly clear: He wants to play for the Steelers in 2012, but, if they do not want him, he still wants to play next season

He just does not want to think about the second part of the equation at the moment.

"It would be weird, not how I want it to happen," Ward said of playing for another team next season. "But I do want to play. I still think I can play. I'm not even thinking like that -- what if. If that scenario happens, I'll be devastated, but I do want to play football."

He understands he would have to take a pay cut from his $4 million salary next season. He has two seasons left on his contract and is willing to do that. Such a decision must be made, however, by March 1 because Ward said a clause in his contract states that they must guarantee his job by then or release him.

"I'd probably have to restructure my contract," Ward said of the pay cut. "That's fine with me. I recognize that. I'm telling you I want to be here, I'm telling you I'm willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications -- we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here."

As for not starting, Ward noted that happened this season.

"Obviously, I was a starter, and then it went the way it did. That's fine, I don't have a problem with not starting. But I want to play, I want to try to win another Super Bowl. I want to do it for this organization. I want to help this team out. I still think I can help this team, on the field, off the field with the younger guys, still be there for the team. I'm willing to do all that."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12011/1202701-66-0.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml#ixzz1j85HmQ1j

I will die 1,000 no make that 10,0000 deaths if I see Hines in another uniform. How could the Rooney's let a WR that broke all Steeler records go so easily, when he so blatantly wants to remain in Pittsburgh another year?

I hope he stays. He's a great influence on the younger guys and he's a good go to guy when you need him.

Mach1 wrote:

I hope he stays. He's a great influence on the younger guys and he's a good go to guy when you need him.

My opinion on Ward staying has been all over the map. Right now, I'm hoping they keep him. My opinion could change by the time I hit "send."

I think he'll be here one more year so we can win #7 for him like we won #6 for the BUS. I also hope that. I'd love to see Hines go out as SB MVP. That would be awesome and fitting. Que the Pixy Dust.