If Ward does not play another NFL game, he finished his career in the 1000 catches (eighth all-time), 12,083 receiving yards (18th) and 85 TD catches (13). He received the Pro Bowl four teams - a number that does not really help his case - and was the MVP of Super Bowl XL, a fact that does not increase its arguments.
Ward owns substantially all of Pittsburgh, receiving records - far eclipsing the Hall of Famers statistics Lynn Swann and John Stallworth - although he is best remembered as one of the best blocking wideouts in the league's history. Ward and Jerry Rice is the only NFL player to wager at least 1000 and the two Super Bowl rings.
Yet it should be noted that Ward played in an era which emphasized the passing game. His numbers are not completely identical to Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Andre Reed, a trio, which remains excluded from Canton. Yet, they also wideouts combined to win the Super Bowl to zero, and there is no Dancing With the Stars crown.
Ward owns substantially all of Pittsburgh, receiving records - far eclipsing the Hall of Famers statistics Lynn Swann and John Stallworth - although he is best remembered as one of the best blocking wideouts in the league's history. Ward and Jerry Rice is the only NFL player to wager at least 1000 and the two Super Bowl rings.
Yet it should be noted that Ward played in an era which emphasized the passing game. His numbers are not completely identical to Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Andre Reed, a trio, which remains excluded from Canton. Yet, they also wideouts combined to win the Super Bowl to zero, and there is no Dancing With the Stars crown.
