Hines Ward has been the receiver for the Pittsburgh Stealers for 14 seasons but after the announcement came out yesterday that the Pittsburgh Stealers were releasing Hines Ward from the team, he’ll have to join another team if he wants to continue to play, reports the Chicago Sun Times.
Just because the Stealers have given up on Ward does not mean Ward has given up on football.
Fans will be seeing Hines again, just not in a black and gold uniform.
The former Pittsburgh receiver isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. He said in a statement, “This isn’t how I wanted this chapter of my career to end,” as he promised to return for another season next fall.
He continued, “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.”
President Art Rooney only had positive things to say about the player, “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.”
He continued, “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 was picked to participate in the pro-bowl four times and was the MVP during the 2006 Superbowl, an honor that normally goes to the quarterback. Throughout his career on the Stealers he had 1,000, 12,083 yards, 85 receiving touchdowns and helped the Stealers win two Superbowls.
Even if Hines will be playing for another team, he makes it clear where his allegiance lies, “I gave my heart and soul for the fans every down and I will always bleed black-and-gold.”
