Steelers to release Hines Ward

Steelers to release Hines Ward
Posted 25 minutes ago

“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 the team’s website, 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 was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He spent 14 years in Pittsburgh and became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), receiving touchdowns (85) and 100-yard receiving games (29). Ward is the eighth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions and joined only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only two players in league history to post 1,000 career catches and win multiple Super Bowls.

(Read More:) http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-to-release-Hines-Ward/ba693de8-74b6-4435-b879-091e6766736a

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This sucks big time. It's very sad but not unexpected. He will always be a Steelers legend. It won't be the same not seeing that trademark smile on the field cracking opposing skulls and making the tough catches. Thank you for all the great memories, Hines. We'll never forget all you've done for this team. Good luck!

Steelers cut ties with veteran wide receiver Ward
By Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Last updated: 5:30 pm



The Steelers announced today that they will sever ties with receiver Hines Ward.

"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 said in a report on the team's website. "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."



Read more: Steelers cut ties with veteran wide receiver Ward - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_784165.html#ixzz1noYx6nSl

we kinda knew this was gonna happen, but it still sucks

its the best thing.........

Dammit, I hope he retires and doesn't sign with some BS team. Don't pull a Franco or Jerry Rice!!

Drizztbob wrote:

Dammit, I hope he retires and doesn't sign with some BS team. Don't pull a Franco or Jerry Rice!!

I don't know if I could stomach seeing him in another uniform. :doublepuke:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

JonM229 wrote:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

You bastard!

Ward's statement on his future...

"this isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end"

"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,"

I can only hope there was more to the conversation to the extent that he'll be re-signed for less money to finish his career a STEELER as he should.

This is like when your use to a person being your neighbor, you've shared many years together, great laughs, your kids grew up together, and then one day you wake up and they've moved.

Wouldn't do that if I we're you BGSU, Hines seems under the impressive that he's gone.

"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life.

To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular, Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold. 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. - HINES"

Quote :

He'll be back in a Steelers uniform. I'll bet my account on it.

I wish to God that you were right, but on his facebook page, there is a link to some of his memorabilia for sale -- signed footballs and such.