Talk > Sports Chat > [NFL] Hines Ward done in Pittsburgh

[NFL] Hines Ward done in Pittsburgh

I'm guessing he'll be retiring rather than signing with another team?
I think Rockotman mentioned something about Ward during the season, but that was so long ago ( ) I can't remember what he said exactly.
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"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H. L. Mencken

reply to dscl
He was a hell of a player.

The Steelers are in a salary cap bind at present, and are renegotiating contracts left and right to lessen the salary cap hit next year and allow them to re-sign Mike Wallace who is a free agent this year. They need to keep Wallace, and Antonio Brown will be a free agent next year. Cutting Ward, whose best days are behind him, frees up more of their cap money.
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hey Dale

reply to dscl
I really enjoyed watching Hines play. He was by far my favorite player on this team in this era. It will be hard to see him play in a different uniform if he should sign with someone else. If he does, I will cheer for that team as well.

He was also a fan favorite. Heck, they even named the field after him!

He would be cheered at Heinz Field, even if he returned in a Ravens' or Patriots' jersey.

For the Steelers, it is more than just a cap issue. Even if he were to agree to play for the league minimum for a player with his years of service (just shy of $1M), he would still be taking a valuable roster spot, one usually filled by a player that can play special teams as well as either receiver, LB, or DB. If he could go week-in, week-out as a 4th or 5th receiver, his value to the team is less than that of such a utility player.

If he doesn't play, look for him to be on NFLN next year in some capacity. He has been doing a lot of spot work for them since the season ended.

He will be missed.

Tomorrow, in violation of company policy, I shall wear my Hines Ward jersey to work in memorium.
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Shine on you crazy diamond...

reply to dscl
Sad to see him go. Especially this way.

He left a nice "going away" post on Facebook...

"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"

But don't feel too sad...

His marketing group isn't wasting any time trying to cash in...

Also from a posting on Facebook...

»www.tsepresents.com/funnel_event···football

I know it is only good business sense to strike while the iron is hot, but my admiration for him just went down a tiny bit.

But not much... I would still cheer him.
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Shine on you crazy diamond...

reply to Rook008

reply to dscl
It would be funny if he went to the Eagles. But Steelers have been pretty good at letting guys go when it is time too.

reply to rockotman

reply to rockotman
Yeah saw that news yesterday. He was a favorite of my wife and I. We both loved the fact that even after a hard hit he would get up with that smile on his face. That smile which I am sure ticked off quite a few people over the years. I loved watching him play. And to see a receiver hit and block as hard as he does brought a smile to my face.

But last year you could see the writing on the wall for him. He kept getting less and less play time. Unfortunately, age catches up with players. I am just glad there are not too many hard feelings. Personally I would have tried to offer him some sort of receiver coaching position so that he could still be with the team. maybe they did but he still wants to play more.
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Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war

reply to dscl
I wish he would be staying. I always liked watching him play.

reply to Voxxjin
Yeah his minutes were going down but he still always comes through with a big catch for Big Ben. They have really nice receivers waiting in line.

reply to dscl
Great player, HOFer, won't miss him.

IDK about HOF.

I won't be surprised if he resigns with the Steelers at a lower salary.

reply to Edge1

HAHA

reply to bjf123
He's done as a Steeler.

"Report: Ward wasn't offered a pay cut by Steelers"
»www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8···ne_stack
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"Every once in a while, declare peace....it confuses the hell out of your enemies."

reply to dscl
Aaron Smith and James Farrior have been let go, too.

Aaron Smith, when healthy is a mighty fine lineman... but he has suffered major injuries each of the past three years, and has only played in 15 games over those three years. And he is on the down-side of 35. I guess that move makes sense.

I am not so sure about letting Farrior go. He is one of the best free-agent signings that the Steelers have ever made. Folks have been saying he is at the end of his useful service life for the past four years, but he just keeps winning a starting job, year after year, and he was the brains and the leader of the defense. Even with his diminishing skills, he played with more heart than a lot of guys in their prime. He will definitely be missed.

It looks like the Rooneys are gearing up for a youth movement and a rebuilding year.

That, and trying to save every penny that they can to match any tender offer that Mike Wallace receives and still get in under the cap.
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Shine on you crazy diamond...