No worries for Hines Ward

[TackleMeBen]

PITTSBURGH, Pa.--Steelers receiver Hines Ward didn't take it lightly when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger insisted the team could use taller receivers to help the offense next season.
So when the Steelers drafted 6-foot-4 Limas Sweed out of the University of Texas in the second round, everyone in Pittsburgh wanted to know Ward's reaction and got it during the first day of Steelers minicamp.

"Even though we drafted a guy, I'm not mad and there are no hard feelings,'' Ward said. "They felt like this guy could help us get to the next level and win a championship. Why would I be mad at that?"

Ward spent the day on the sidelines giving pointers to Sweed and the other receivers. Ward is recovering from minor knee surgery and will not participate this weekend.

The selection of Sweed could have been just as much about age as it is about his size. Ward, a four-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl MVP, is 32-years old and entering his 11th season.

"To this day, everybody is waiting for Hines Ward to fall off and I love that,'' Ward said. "That gives me motivation to go out and prove people wrong. It doesn't matter who we bring in, because I'm not going to change the way I play my game. I'm going to be Hines Ward, and No. 86 is going to continue to play the way he's always played.''

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks...ines-Ward.html

good to know that ward wasnt whining and pitching a fit about sweed being drafted.

[stillers4me]

"To this day, everybody is waiting for Hines Ward to fall off and I love that,'' Ward said. "That gives me motivation to go out and prove people wrong. It doesn't matter who we bring in, because I'm not going to change the way I play my game. I'm going to be Hines Ward, and No. 86 is going to continue to play the way he's always played.''

'Atta baby!

[JanBr7]

Yes, but he's still low-key. I mean, look at the difference between his attitude and willie Parker's about Mendenhall. Willie says Mendenhall will make him better, will help his career last longer. Ward says "I'm not mad." and "It gives me motivation to go out and prove people wrong" not stuff like how Sweed can make the team better.

Don't get me wrong, I love Hines. He just has to work a lot harder to be a true 'team' player.

[TackleMeBen]

Originally Posted by JanBr7

He just has to work a lot harder to be a true 'team' player.

the samething was said about a certain qb on this team at one time before too.

[TheWarDen86]

No. 86 is going to continue to play the way he's always played.''

Questions?

You are the man Hines!

[TheWarDen86]

Originally Posted by JanBr7

He just has to work a lot harder to be a true 'team' player.

I don't really agree. Hines was hardly considered for the starting spot for the first few years. He played so hard that FINALLY they opened their eyes. He has definitely paid his dues (moreso than most), and has earned every right to voice his feelings, regardless of what they might be.

He cried on national television, not for himself but for a teammate. No one takes the hits he does to bolster thier own stats (on the contrary) Hines does it to make plays and to keep the drive going because he wants to win. It's true that he's not a vocal leader (admittedly) but he does lead by example.

[TackleMeBen]

Originally Posted by TheWarDen86

I don't really agree. Hines was hardly considered for the starting spot for the first few years. He played so hard that FINALLY they opened their eyes. He has definitely paid his dues (moreso than most), and has earned every right to voice his feelings, regardless of what they might be.

He cried on national television, not for himself but for a teammate. No one takes the hits he does to bolster thier own stats (on the contrary) Hines does it to make plays and to keep the drive going because he wants to win. It's true that he's not a vocal leader (admittedly) but he does lead by example.

which most of the time is better than being a vocal leader. the media cant twist stats on the field like they can when you speak...

[MONTANA GRIZ]

Though he says it doesnt bother him they drafted Sweed, his remarks don't exactly sound like hes going to help Sweed like Parker did with Mendenhall. Hines is the man I wish he would not talk in 3rd person though, it sounds rediculous.

[Galax Steeler]

Hines will be a true mentor and hopefully sweed will pick up and be a true steeler.

[TackleMeBen]

Originally Posted by galax steeler

Hines will be a true mentor and hopefully sweed will pick up and be a true steeler.

only if sweed ask hines for help. he wont just offer it.