7 Greatest Pittsburgh Steelers players of the 21st century

6. Hines Ward – WR

If not for the Steelers drafting Antonio Brown in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, then Hines Ward would likely be the top choice as the best wide receiver to put on the black and gold during the 21st century. Still, Ward is one of the most talented players to ever suit up for Pittsburgh in team history.

After playing quarterback, running back, and receiver during his college days at Georgia, the Steelers ended up selecting the impressive athlete in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Ward didn’t see the field much as a rookie in Pittsburgh, but it didn’t take very long for him to become an important part of the team’s offense.

During his fourth season with the Steelers in 2001, Ward had a breakout campaign that saw him finish with 94 catches for 1,003 yards and four touchdowns. His performance that year led to his first of four career trips to the Pro Bowl.

Ward stepped up his play to an even higher level during the following season in 2002. That year he went off and hauled in 112 catches for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. From 2001-04, Ward finished each season with at least 80 catches, 1,000 receiving yards and four scores.

He spent his entire 14-year NFL career in a Pittsburgh uniform and he is still the franchise’s all-time leader in career catches, career receiving yards and career receiving touchdowns.