There’s a lot more about the Hines Ward retirement talk today, and Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette says flat out it won’t happen.
Many have said he no longer can play, that he’s not getting “separation” anymore. The Steelers coaches seem to think that too, which is why I believe those coaches do not want him back. But if they force him out, I believe there will be some teams who would welcome him to their roster — not as a No. 1 or maybe even a No. 2, but as a proven, veteran possession receiver who can impart his knowledge on some younger receivers. Arizona, for example, would be among them, especially with Ward’s old position coach and offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt.
Bouchette says that Ward has a roster bonus due in March, meaning that a decision will be made by then.
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DrGeorge
January 10, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Pro football is a business first. If the Steelers were willing to part company with the likes of Faneca in the twilight of his career, they aren’t going to get sentimental about Ward at his age. But the team will miss him.
Arians has already written Ward off, obviously. He doesn’t fit Arians’ scheme. But Arians may not be back, and another OC might very well place a higher value on Ward’s abilities. There is no doubt that H. Ward can still play the game. There are indeed other teams that would pay well to have him, and he remains a superb possession receiver and one of the best blocking receivers of all time. Yes, he has slowed a step, but he never was fast; speed was never his game. He could still be a contributor in many ways in the right system.
Be that as it may, I for one would like to see Ward leave the game with his brains and knees intact. There is only so much punishment the human body can take, and we all age inexorably. On the other hand, you only get one chance to play this game. And for Ward, the game is about more than money. Whether the Steelers bring him back or not, Ward should so what is best for Ward, and leave the game without regrets.
Steve
January 10, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Ward has to do what is best for him but I’d love to see him end his career with dignity in the city of champions.
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