Hines Ward said today he is retiring from his career as a professional football player, leaving the black and gold jersey of the Steelers as the only one he will ever wear.He announced his retirement at press conference at Steelers headquarters.
"I am truly blessed. I have accomplished all I have set out for and more," Ward said.
"There's only one thing I love more than the game and that's Steeler Nation," Ward said, as tears came to his eyes. "It is truly amazing.
"You guys mean the world to me. This city and this organization mean the world to me. Today I came back to Pittsburgh to grant Steelers Nation one last request, so today I am officially retiring as a Pittsburgh Steeler."
"I don't want to play in any other uniform. Black and gold runs deep in me, and I will remain a Steeler for life."
Ward caught more passes for more yards and more touchdowns than anyone in Steelers history: His 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns are all Steelers records.
He was most valuable player of Super Bowl XL and made the Pro Bowl four times, more than any receiver in team history.
The Steelers drafted him in the third-round in 1998.
When the Steelers announced on Feb. 29 that they were releasing Ward, Ward had said that he still planned to play in 2012.
