PITTSBURGH — Hines Ward’s constant, ear-to-ear smile tucked behind a black facemask has been a lasting image for Pittsburgh Steelers fans the past 14 seasons.
They won’t see it again. At least, not in a black-and-gold uniform.
The franchise’s all-time leader in just about every meaningful receiving category will be released sometime in the next two weeks said president Art Rooney II on the team’s website on Wednesday.
Ward, who turns 36 next week, was due to earn $4 million next season. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, citing an unnamed source, reported Thursday that the Steelers didn’t approach Ward about taking a pay cut in order to remain on the team.
Full story: Steelers to release Hines Ward