Hines Ward to announce retirement!...It's official the great Hines Ward calls it a career

[Prosdo]

Best decision he could have made. No need to pull a Franco.

[gtadroptop]

'Retire' his number. Can't see anybody else ever wearing #86.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

If there was a player in the modern era deserving of having his number retired, it's Ward.

I wouldn't be shocked though if they don't.

It's understood that the equipment guys won't issue numbers like 12, 75, etc. Perhaps 86 will be in that category for next season.

From BRC's DROID X of Awesomeness

[steelersbabex25]

Best decision he could have made. No need to pull a Franco.

Or a Favre.

I wish he would have gone out on his terms, but I'm glad he'll go into the HOF as a Steeler nonetheless. We'll miss you Hines.

[LevonKirkland99]

Now the suits at the Steelers should retire his number. Great career Hines...You did the right thing

[Number99]

Ward was and always will be a Great Pittsburgh Steeler, but somehow I don't see his number being retired. He has meant as much to this franchise as any other wr in their history but so did Swann and Stallworth. Granted he blew past their numbers but those two played in a different era. Imagine the kinds of numbers they could have achieved in todays pass happy NFL?
I would say though that his 86 wont be seen on another wr for maybe a few years but we will see it again.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

[SteelDad]

It is very seldom when a professional athlete can actually go out on his own terms and be clear folks, this isn't how he wanted to leave the game or the Steelers. With that said, it was still classy and regardless of if he had played for someone else or not, he'll always be a Steeler.

An absolute thrill to watch for 14 years. Thanks Hines.

[Speeed]

It would be cool if they did not retire this year, did not issue it, and retired it next year. Kinda' like a missing man formation.

[connecticutsteel]

thank you #86/15