Leap Day stunner: Steelers cut their greatest wide receiver ever

The Steeler Face writes this post through a veil disbelief and disappointment:  The Pittsburgh Steelers unceremoniously dumped Hines Ward, bringing a hollow ending to a brilliant 14-year career for the team.  Ward, who was MVP of Super Bowl XL, also owns the Steelers team records for career receptions (1,000), yards (12,083) and touchdowns (85) -- more than John Stallworth and more than Lynn Swann (two other all-time Steeler greats).  Moreover, Ward was a punishing downfield blocker and one of the most unselfish players ever.

What makes his exit so hard to understand is that Hines made it unambiguously clear that we take a pay cut in order to end his career in Pittsburgh.  He deserved that, and without a doubt deserved better than this.


That said, many other Steeler greats have seen their careers in Pittsburgh end under similar circumstances.  I hate to question the wisdom of an organization that has delivered more Super Bowls than any other, but I think they had a bad day today.


Please look for Hines Ward tribute in the days ahead.  I'm simply to shocked to do it now.