Even if Hines Ward puts up the same numbers he did last season, when he put up some of the lowest numbers in 11 years, Ward will move into the unmistakable pantheon of all-time greats.
Ward would have 1,013 catches (8th), 12,457 yards (16th) and 88 touchdowns (10th).
“I think that puts him in the Hall of Fame, first ballot,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. “Two Super Bowl rings, MVP, thousand catches, all of Swann’s and Stallworth’s records, I think that legitimizes him. I think he already is without it, but I think that legitimizes him.
“And Hines needs something,” Arians continued. “He’s always got to have a chip on his shoulder or a goal just to keep him rolling. I love when he’s frosty and he’s got a chip on his shoulder.”
Well, color Hines frosty. When asked about the 46 catches he needs for 1,000, he turned blue with excitement.