Steelers’ all-time leading wide receiver, Hines Ward, has announced that he will retire after 14 seasons with Pittsburgh. Originally, he was drafted by the Steelers in the third round (92nd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Georgia. The Forest Park (Ga.) native played 14 seasons for the Steelers, which ties for the second longest tenure in franchise history behind Hall of Fame center Mike Webster (15). In his 14 seasons, Ward helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls, three AFC Championships and six division titles.

In his retirement speech, he stated, “When I think about football, I think about Steeler Nation and the fans. For all the fans for years that camped out in the parking lots on game days, in the freezing rain and snow. For all the fans that traveled all over the world, nationwide and across the country to cheer us on. The ones wearing my jersey in Denver, New York and Baltimore, and every city I’ve ever played in. It is truly amazing. Without their support over the past 14 years, this game wouldn’t mean the same to me. It wouldn’t be as fun for me. You guys meant the world to me. This city and this organization mean the world to me. So today, as sad as it feels for me right now, I hope today will be a good day for everybody.”

Hines Ward was the team’s all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), receiving touchdowns (85) and 100-yard receiving games (29). From 1999-2009, Ward led or tied for the team lead in receptions. Ward is the eighth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions and joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only two players in league history to post 1,000 career catches and win multiple Super Bowls. Ward became the third player in NFL history to reach 12,000 receiving yards while playing for one team during their entire career (Marvin Harrison, Ind. and Steve Largent, Sea.).

Hines Ward continued, “All-in-all, I can say I am a Steeler for life. That’s the bottom line. That’s all I’ve really ever wanted. It’s bittersweet but it was the right thing to do. For me to put on another uniform, and just hearing the outpouring from fans and Steelers Nation, that meant more to me than anything. That’s why I made the decision that I did today.”

Ward was the MVP of Super Bowl XL after leading the Steelers to a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In three Super Bowls, Ward registered 14 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers’ 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Ward was named to four Pro Bowls (2002-05) and was a member of the team’s 75th Season All-Time Team.

Ward concluded, “As much as I will miss football, my teammates, coaches and everything about the game, I don’t want to play it in any other uniform. The black and gold runs deep in me, and now I will remain a Steeler for life.”

Hines Ward retires from Pittsburgh Steelers

Hines Ward career highlights