Behind the Steel Curtain
On Tuesday, it was announced that Hines Ward is a semi-finalist to be inducted into the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. With a lengthy list of accolades, there is no questioning the talent of the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers receiver.
While examining the statistics may give you all you need to know, one person understands the individual much better than many. Mike Tomlin was asked what makes Ward a potential Hall of Fame member, and the Steelers’ head coach answered in the only way he knows how.
During his Tuesday press conference, Tomlin addressed several questions, including those about his beloved wide receiver, whom he coached for five NFL seasons. Before answering why Ward should be a Hall of Famer, the 19-year coach could not help but smile.
“Numbers, do not tell his story,” said Tomlin. “Although his numbers are special, they are. I think that’s a guy with a thousand or so career catches.”
“If you were around him, if you were in stadiums with him, if you were a member of his team, or an opposing player, you understood what playing with and against Hines Ward was about,” said Tomlin. “He was a football player first, a wide receiver second. To be quite honest with you, he was an offensive perimeter bully, and I say that in a complimentary way.”
Tomlin concludes by describing the former Steeler as a respected and legendary figure in the league.
“To me, he’s a legendary player in his generation because of the way he played,” said Tomlin. “The amount of respect that he carried when he didn’t have the ball in his hands, when it wasn’t even a pass, is the stuff of legends.”
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be revealed at the 2026 NFL Honors, also known as the NFL Awards, in February of this year. The nominees alongside Ward at the wideout position: Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., and Reggie Wayne.
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