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A Hines Ward What They’re Really Thinking Retrospective

I picked on him a lot, but I’m going to miss him.

2006:

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012





26 Comments

  1. Suburban Nor'Side Girl
    March 1, 2012 6:02 am

    It just makes me sad. I know it’s a business, but it just makes me sad.



    • facie
      March 1, 2012 9:53 am

      Testify! Last night I had to try to calm my mom down, which was not easy. I fear, much like when Benny did his stupid crap in Georgia (or wherever that was), that she will be calling up the Rooneys to complain.

      I will miss ol’ Smiley. I just hope he retires rather than playing somewhere else.



  2. suzie-Q
    March 1, 2012 7:03 am

    I too am sad about Hines….however, not as sad as i am about all the sick kids you advocate for.

    I think this should be kept in perspective. Football is a business…a cut throat, smash mouth, VERY profitable business. He was a tremendous asset to the Steelers, to Pittsburgh, and it was always fun to watch him play. I’m sure he knew this decision was coming.



  3. Michele
    March 1, 2012 8:30 am

    After breaking it to my kids, I knew I had this to look forward to. I will miss him too, but mainly for his absence from WWTT.



  4. SteelCityMagnolia
    March 1, 2012 9:56 am

    I am in mourning. Hines was my favorite Steeler EV-ER.

    When they broke the news on TV last night, my dear, sweet, never-say-a-bad-word-about-anyone southern (and Steeler-loving, black-and-gold-bleeding) Mama sat there in silence looking at the TV. She then yelled “A$$HOLES!!!” and grabbed the remote and shut off the offending appliance.

    At that point, I hid behind the couch. Last time she referred to someone as such, I seem to recall cooking utensils flying around the room.

    I know it’s just business and it’s all about the $$$$, but it is a very sad day in the ‘burgh….



    • PghNinja
      March 2, 2012 6:32 am

      But he’ll be back. He can sign anywhere for training camp, and if he goes somewhere else, there’s no guarrantee they’ll want him after training camp. This was strictly a salary cap move.



  5. empirechick
    March 1, 2012 10:06 am

    It was time. He can’t keep up with the young guns or get away from defenders, which is why they had to throw him all those bubble screens to get him to 1000 catches. Now he can start enjoying his very successful broadcast career!



    • DG
      March 1, 2012 10:11 am

      From your lips to Hines’ ears. The worst outcome would be him ending up in a Pats or Ratbirds uniform.



      • bucdaddy
        March 1, 2012 11:43 am

        Or Seahawks.

        If you’re reading this, Franco.



        • Vivian
          March 1, 2012 1:29 pm

          God forbid.



          • VAgirl
            March 1, 2012 4:35 pm

            I was told I look godg in purple, green and alos red. Really sad and I don’t get the logic. There is lots of old wood on the team and the Rooneys didn’t even negotiate. Business… he brought more female fans into Steeler Nation than any other recent Steeler. Really sad and disapointed.



  6. Butcher's Dog
    March 1, 2012 11:24 am

    And this posting? Genius, Ginny. Just beautiful stuff with editorial commentary very restrained.



  7. Joe K.
    March 1, 2012 12:31 pm

    I’m in the minority but I think this is something of a mistake by the Steelers. They struggled in the red zone last year and less Hines was part of that. That picture where he jumped over the Titans defender? That was just in October. I think he’ll play another year or two somewhere and be a good possession and red zone receiver.



  8. red pen mama
    March 1, 2012 12:52 pm

    It’s probably a testament to how little I watched football last season that I was completely surprised by this news. Count me in the camp of “I enjoyed watching him, understand it’s a business, and really hope he retires rather than signs with another team”. Longest name for a camp ever.



  9. Washpa
    March 1, 2012 1:04 pm

    Hines will be a great broadcaster some day. Hell, if Shannon Sharpe can do it, anybody can.



  10. Vivian
    March 1, 2012 1:36 pm

    Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
    And this house just ain’t no home
    Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
    Now that Hines is gone away

    Got me singin’ da blues. I’ll miss you Mr. Sunshine.



  11. bluzdude
    March 1, 2012 1:48 pm

    I hope he retires. I can’t stand the thought of him playing for anyone else. But if he must continue, please let it be with an NFC team, so I don’t have to care…



  12. Thundrus1
    March 1, 2012 3:01 pm

    Everyone keeps talking about whether he was good enough to still contribute. Of course he is. That’s not the issue. The issue is simply that we can afford to pay a #4 receiver 4 million dollars and still have a chance at keeping a competitive team. It really is just that simple. Yes, Hines was willing to restructure his contract. But restructuring doesn’t mean he gets paid less money. It means the money gets moved around so it will still be an issue next year or the year after. As much as it hurts, it is what it is. Franco, Rod, Carnell, and now Hines. *sigh*



  13. toni
    March 1, 2012 4:29 pm

    Your head knows it’s a business decision. Your heart tho…your heart just keeps saying surely we could resign him and find something to do with him when we are under cap. There are just some players your heart just doesn’t want to say goodbye to.



  14. Thundrus1
    March 1, 2012 5:14 pm

    That last comment was supposed to say “we can’t afford…..”. And yes, we do have other “old wood” on the team. As yes IF he goes somewhere else (which I’m praying he doesn’t) he will probably contribute and fit in quite well. The reality is most teams don’t have three WR’s as good as Wallace, Brown, and Sanders have been. Then throw in Cottchery and you just can’t do it. Aside from Mean Joe Green, Hines is my favorite Steeler of All time. I can’t stand to see him go. But one thing that has always made me proud to be a Steeler fan is that the TEAM always superceded the individual. Let’s fly our Steeler banners at half mast and wish Ol’ Smiley the best. He will be missed.



  15. Bojack
    March 1, 2012 5:58 pm

    Anybody else gets 1 year suspension for refusing DUI blood alcohol!!

    Nice to be celeb!!

    (Lindsay Lohan wishes she wasn’t on 4th time!)

    Fuck him!