Hines Ward released!

[lloydfan4life]

Hopefully he doesnt sign with the Ravens or within the division...

anybody but the Ratbirds.... I couldn't stomach to see him wearing purple.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

I think we all saw this coming, even though Hines said he was willing to take a paycut to stick around he just wasn't going to see the field in 2012 unless injuries necessitated the need to get out there. It's a business, it sucks to see a legend go, but we all knew it was coming sooner or later. You just hoped it would have come via Hines riding off into the sunset on a black n gold stallion rather than getting his walking papers.

[Troyisabeast_43]

I think we all saw this coming, even though Hines said he was willing to take a paycut to stick around he just wasn't going to see the field in 2012 unless injuries necessitated the need to get out there. It's a business, it sucks to see a legend go, but we all knew it was coming sooner or later. You just hoped it would have come via Hines riding off into the sunset on a black n gold stallion rather than getting his walking papers.

Hines just released a statement thanking the fans and the Steelers organization for his 14 years here and said he still has a lot of football left in him and plans on playing in the 2012 season. Just heard on the fan that someone spoke to James Farrior's agent as well and he said he expects Farrior much like Ward to be released as well in the next 7-10 days. So this is definitely not the end of the cuts by far...

[Goodfrom55]

Inevitable, considering the cap hit. Thanks for 14 years of Steelers football, determination and desire. You will be missed.

[Goodfrom55]

Echoed sentiments for Farrior. 2 Class acts that define what it is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.

[Prosdo]

No big surprise on Hines. Thanks for the hard play.

[Nolrog]

Great Steeler. Glad I had the chance to watch him all these years. Good luck in your future Hines. Goodbye and thanks for all the fish (not to mention the rings.)

In case anyone is wondering, this is is a ~3.4 million cap savings. We're pretty well under the cap now. But I'm not sure if that counts the 5 million we need for draft picks as well.

[SteelDad]

It is indeed a sad day for the Nation. I have so many memories of Hines like all of you do. This is the right decision however.

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[Cricker24]

I guess I was still hoping Hines would retire a Steeler even though i knew this was going to happen. I'm honored i got to see him play in person twice, unfortunately both times the Steelers lost to the freakin' Eagles. Hines will ALWAYS be my favorite Steeler!!!! This might sound dumb, but my dream has been to go to the Steelers training camp and there's a chance that dream could come true this summer, but now that Hines won't be there and I know now I'll never get to meet him, my dream is a little less exciting. This is going to be hard to get over.

Chris

[Goodfrom55]

Hines and inevitable Farrior, does this mean they are preparing to franchise Wallace or sign him to a long term deal? The Steelers certainly don't want to be down 2 WR's with only Brown and Sanders under contract and Cotchery still unsigned.