Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

[hawaiiansteel]

Ward still going strong at 34

By: Mike Bires Beaver County Times
Monday September 13, 2010



Times photo by LUCY SCHALY Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener at Heinz Field Sunday. Hines Ward makes a record-setting catch Sunday.


PITTSBURGH --- He’s 34. He’s playing in his 13th pro season. And he’s still the leader of the Steelers wide receivers.

Hines Ward proved that once again Sunday with a strong performance that kept him moving up the NFL’s all-time pass receiving charts.

“Every year, I seem to amaze myself,” Ward said.

In a 15-9 win over Atlanta, Ward caught six passes for 106 yards. He helped Dennis Dixon by getting open and by also offering calming advice to the third-year quarterback who was making just his second pro start.

Ward threw a text-book block on a cornerback on the last play of the game that helped spring running back Rashard Mendenhall on his 50-yard, game-winning touchdown.

Afterwards, Ward celebrated an opening-day victory and two more personal milestones. He’s now just the 12th player in NFL history to surpass 900 catches and 11,000 receiving yards in a career.

“My game is fine,” Ward said. “I supposedly lost a step three years ago. But I still caught 95 balls last year. It’s been like that my whole career. No one knows how I keep doing it, but by the end of the year, look at what I’ve done production-wise. I’m right up there with the better guys in the league.”

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Last year, Ward ranked eighth in the league in receptions and tied for 10th in receiving yards (1,167).

Ward knows that someday he won’t be able to perform at a high level. When that time comes, he’ll likely call it a career. But until then, he wants to keep playing on.

In the spring of 2009, Ward signed a four-year, $22 million contract extension that locks him in with the Steelers through the 2013 season.

“We know all it’s going to come to an end one day,” Ward said. “Who knows? Maybe this will be my last year. Maybe next year will be my last year.

“All I know is that I’m going to keep on playing until my wheels fall off.”

[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1501/2010/september/13/ward-delivers-one-for-the-aged.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitte r"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... um=twitter[/url]

[Crash]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

[ramblinjim]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

Yeah, lot's of "I"'s in there but I still love the guy and his game.

[sd steel]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Why read the article if you already knew what it was going to say? I think you would have stopped at the title.

[Jooser]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

Say "I" all you want to, but he is a team player. The proof is in his blocks and the way he sells out his body to make blocks and hurt people. He also will catch a ball in traffic, no matter what kind of punishment he takes. You don't see WRs like Moss or OchoStinko doing such things. Perhaps he only does it for himself, who knows, I'm not inside his head. But, there's no denying how the team, as well as we the fans benefit from his actions....no matter what his motivation is. And BTW, his quote about 'amazing himself' could've perhaps been taken out of context, oh nah, the media never does that.

Carry on! -Joos out

[ikestops85]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

Hines has always been one of my most favorite steelers. I just love the style of football he plays. Lately though his mouth makes me think he is a real arse off the field ... not that it matters to me. As long as he doesn't hurt another person he can be the biggest douche in the world off the field. What he does on the field matters to me and Hines gives it 100% all of the time.

[dsmith]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

Say "I" all you want to, but he is a team player. The proof is in his blocks and the way he sells out his body to make blocks and hurt people. He also will catch a ball in traffic, no matter what kind of punishment he takes. You don't see WRs like Moss or OchoStinko doing such things. Perhaps he only does it for himself, who knows, I'm not inside his head. But, there's no denying how the team, as well as we the fans benefit from his actions....no matter what his motivation is. And BTW, his quote about 'amazing himself' could've perhaps been taken out of context, oh nah, the media never does that.

Carry on! -Joos out

Well said.

[Sugar]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I think about every team in the NFL wishes they had a Hines Ward on their team even if they complain about him. He's not flashy, but he's so very effective and a complete football player.

Hopefully, he has another bang up year that ends with his retirement! (He did say that he would retire if we won another SB).

[feltdizz]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I would say I a lot if I was asked about my game.

I guess he should thank his teammates and his QB and keep it moving.

I counted about 6 or 7 I's... LOL!

I guess when you hate a guy every I is multiplied by 3.

[Flasteel]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Just curious as to your reaction yesterday, when Ward made a big play. Are you like "woooooo!!!...oh wait, that's Ward...nevermind...Nice throw Dixon!! Woooooo!!!!"

Do you sit there and not cheer? Do you nod your head in approval and take one for the team? Does it piss you off when he makes a big play?

Not trying to be douchetastic or anything...just curious.

[AngryAsian]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I can't think of any other player in NFL history that plays the game like Hines Ward. He's one of a kind and I'm glad he's worn Black and Gold his whole career. The ultimate team player.

[feltdizz]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Just curious as to your reaction yesterday, when Ward made a big play. Are you like "woooooo!!!...oh wait, that's Ward...nevermind...Nice throw Dixon!! Woooooo!!!!"

Do you sit there and not cheer? Do you nod your head in approval and take one for the team? Does it piss you off when he makes a big play?

Not trying to be douchetastic or anything...just curious.

"half asian/half black Hines who is about to get divorced and hates Ben with a lucky first down!!!"

[feltdizz]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I can't think of any other player in NFL history that plays the game like Hines Ward. He's one of a kind and I'm glad he's worn Black and Gold his whole career. The ultimate team player.

one of the best ever.... I remember him playing QB at Georgia too.. never thought he would turn into one of our best WR's.

best blocking WR to ever play the game and he can catch too....

[Crash]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I root for Hines on the field.

He's also a self centered moron off of it.

Just this week, all week, he told media how he wants to beat Atlanta because he's never done it.

And sure enough, after the game he's saying "I finally beat Atlanta!"

I guess the moron forgot he beat Atlanta in 1999 on MNF.

[Flasteel]

Re: Hines Ward: "Every year, I seem to amaze myself"

I root for Hines on the field.

He's also a self centered moron off of it.

Just this week, all week, he told media how he wants to beat Atlanta because he's never done it.

And sure enough, after the game he's saying "I finally beat Atlanta!"

I guess the moron forgot he beat Atlanta in 1999 on MNF.

Holy crap...Ward actually had 3 catches for 28 yards in that game.

Good catch Crash!!

Did you get that on your own, or do you congregate at some other site where people are watching Hines Ward...waiting to attack.