REPORT: Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward To Retire

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2011-12 NFL season came to a shocking end Sunday night after dropping an overtime thriller to the Denver Broncos, despite erasing a 14-point second half deficit. Now with their season over, it is time for the Steelers to make some changes.

One change could be the absence of number 86 in the team’s locker room. Reports are indicating that wide receiver Hines Ward has decided to hang up his cleats and call it a career. A source received a text from a Steelers player that says the team expects Ward to retire.

With the recent emergence of Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, on top of the production that Mike Wallace brings, Ward saw his role drop drastically in his 14th season. The 36-year-old was often on the sidelines during three and four receiver sets.

If it is the end for Ward, he leaves a great legacy behind. While he has been considered a dirty player around the league, Ward is a feared blocker and unquestionably the greatest blocking receiver that league has seen. Ward played hard and would never quit. He was the definition of a football player and should be rewarded with a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ward recorded his 1,000th career reception in the team’s week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns. He finishes his career with 1,000 catches for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. Those are excellent numbers for the long-time Steelers star. Best of luck in your post-football career, Hines.

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