According to Mike Freeman of CBS Sports, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward's teammates expect the veteran to announce his retirement this offseason. Though Ward started nine of 15 games, his role in the offense was significantly reduced in 2011, with the 35-year-old catching just 46 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns as Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown solidified their roles as starters and Emmanuel Sanders took over the No. 3 receiver role. Ward did not catch a pass during Sunday's 29-23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. The Steelers were able to get Ward his 1,000th reception in the regular season. If Ward retires, the four-time Pro Bowl will have gained 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns during his 217-game career, the entirety of which was spent with the Steelers. Source: Mac's Football Blog
I remember tweeting yesterday during the game that I hated not seeing him on the field for Pittsburgh. One thing you could always count on was this dude smiling. Oh, Ray Lewis just buried me into the ground? ... =D!!!!
First time Ward didn't post at least 400 receiving yards since his rookie season and his YPC was an abysmal 8.3 in 2011. He was his rings and accolades. Wouldn't shock me if he decided to hang them up.
I believe Cotchery is better than Hines at this point yes, Cotchery won't be back though because he would still be #4 on depth chart and we won't pay him as much as he's going to want. I like Cotchery though obviously. Hines posted this on facebook.
Hines has had a great career with the Steelers...it should end this season... And Cotchery is pretty much a younger Hines at this point...I wouldn't say his return is out of the question. I seem to remember reading something that said he liked his role in Pittsburgh and wouldn't rule out a return...
