Spotlight: Hines Ward

By Heath Bloxton
Steelers receiver, Hines Ward stole the spotlight Sunday, Nov. 13 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Ward broke out in front of a sold-out crowd by catching eight passes for 124 yards.

The biggest play of the game was when Ward caught a 15-yard pass from Charlie Batch to become the Steelers all-time leading receiver. With the catch, Ward passed Hall of Fame wide receiver John Stallworth with the 538th reception of his career. Ward felt that to be mentioned in the same sentence as Stallworth was an honor in itself.

Ward has become a “franchise player” in the Steelers organization and a favorite among the people.

Not only did Ward break the record, but also helped lead the Steelers to a 34-21 victory over their hated rival, the Cleveland Browns. Ward said it was a storybook ending with the record-breaking catch and the win over a very big rival. Ward said he could not believe he was the Steelers all-time leading receiver after only eight seasons with the organization.

Who would have thought that a college quarterback and underrated athlete would be a club’s leading receiver? Ward was told early on that he would not make an NFL team, would not start a game and would never make an NFL Pro Bowl. However, Ward has done all three of these things and then some.