By Josh Katzowitz
The fall for Hines Ward this season was precipitous. After all, the four-time Pro Bowler lost his starting job to Antonio Brown in November, and his 46-catch, 381-yard, two-touchdown performance this season was the worst stat line since his rookie season.
But, contrary to what some speculated (his teammates, for instance), the Steelers receiver is not going to step away from the game, announcing on his Facebook page that he’ll return next season.
As CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman reported Monday morning, Steelers teammates believed Ward might retire. But, Freeman wrote, “that doesn't mean it's set he will. That means some Steelers players believe it which means it's likely to happen. Ward is a different sort of dude. He could decide to hang on for one more year.”
That, Ward wrote, is exactly what he’s going to do:
“I'm also getting lots of questions about retirement so let me set the record straight: I have no plans on retiring right now. I want to win another Superbowl (sic). I don't know where the media is getting this info from but rest assured that when I decide to retire, you'll hear it from ME first.”
Ward, though, probably will have to be content by playing as a backup slot receiver for a Steelers receiving corps that is young and speedy. If, that is, he can make the team at all next year. Which might be a question heading into the 2012 season.
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