Hines Ward had no doubt that he wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steeler through his NFL career, and after 14 great seasons, he'll retire that way. In an emotional Tuesday morning press conference, the team's all-time leading receiver announced that he will be hanging 'em up.
"I have accomplished all I have set out for and more," he said. "I don't want to play in any other uniform. Black and gold runs deep in me, and I will remain a Steeler for life."
The Steelers released Ward on February 29, after a 2011 season in which he caught just 46 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns. "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," Steelers president Art Rooney II said at that time. "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."
The Steelers are ready to move on to Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace, provided another team doesn't make a run at him.
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