NFL players call Ward dirtiest

His coach should suspend him for 30 minutes of the upcoming game against the KC Chiefs.

Bunch of Pansys, current day players would have been nothing but benchwarmers in the Headslap days. But then they'd probably complain that the wooden bench was too hard. (rollseyes)

Basically sums up the state of the game of football today.  Hines is a warrior who no doubt would garner much greater acclaim from his peers had he played in a bygone era.  In fact, prior to claiming Super Bowl title #5, I was of the opinion that Hines was the one player that could have fit on the teams of the 70's, moreso even than Jerome.  Since winning #6, I think there are probably a handful of Steelers I think would fit.

On a side note...on Inside the NFL last night, in answering the question as to naming a WR to the all decade team for the '00's, if only allowed to select one...(shockingly) Cris Collinsworth chose Hines Ward over Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Derrick Mason, Terrell Owens & Randy Moss.  Not surprisingly Phil Simms (he of all things BeliCHEAT) & Warren Sapp chose Moss.

I'm sure ever member of the Bengals and Ravens voted for him.  The Bengal fans are still saying he lead with his helmet on the Rivers block, even though it was clearly his shoulder.  Defensive player are used to being able to run free without worrying about being blindsided.  That's why they call Ward dirty.  To me twisting legs, gouging eyes, and stepping on peoples faces ala Albert Haynesworth is dirty.  Blindside hits are part of football.  The same guys bitching about Ward would love nothing more that to drill a receiver or QB who isn't looking.

Defensive players are kind of spoiled, in that they usually don't have to be too concerned about a WR putting a block on them. Ward's style of play stands out and gets it's justified recognition from former players -the guys in the booth. I've never heard any guys in the booth call Ward a "dirty player." The present-day players who answered this poll need to look at themselves in the mirror. Hines doesn't need to apologize for a thing. A sure-bet bronze bust in Canton and history, itself, will come down on Hines Ward's side. And as much as anything else, Hines will be enshrined in Canton precisely because he has been such a mold-breaking blocker.

"Great minds," Tor! You beat me to it, though.

hahaha, a WIDE RECEIVER is the dirtiest player?  Because he makes big blocks and isn't afraid of the big bad DBs/LBs that try to take his head off every play?  Spare me.

Players like Keith Rivers would've been riding the pine back before the league got pansified.  Let the players play.

What a bunch of garbage. Ward is being singled put for turning the tables on defensive players. How many times do they blindside receivers coming across the middle? They lay someone out and get up and strut around. Modern players may be bigger and stronger, but for the most part, they aren't tougher. This is a perfect example.

I'm baffled by the reference to the Rivers' hit.  That hit happens 100 times per weekend in college and professional football and people get excited about it and jump around like they just won the lottery.    If Tom Brady throws that block or Brett Favre, John Madden would have opened a vein gushing about how they're not quarterbacks, they're football players.

But this isn't fans voting on it, it's players and if they feel that way then I find that interesting.  I also find it to be a huge advantage to Ward and the Steelers because if they're playing defense with one eye on a crackback from Hines and another on the rest of the game, then I say major advantage Pittsburgh.

What is funny to me is that Hines has that Darius Kasparaitis effect!

Remember the ex-Penguin who would always be known for "cheap" shots...but who seemingly never let his head down when skating up the ice....so nobody could ever cheapshot him.

That, to me, is Hines. These big, bad defensive guys would love to "avenge" their compatriots....and its not like Hines doesn't take his fair share of hard hits....but they just can never seem to nail him from the blind side. After all these years, I can't help but think how frustrating it must be for defenders who would like nothing better than to take credit for getting Hines' hind....but only to have him outsmart them all!

These hits are legal (the Rivers hit notwithstanding - good luck to an official trying to make a subjective penalty call on that)....and I loved the Favre comparison. And Hines brought up a great point earlier this season: hits like the River's hit really would have been "dirty"  if he had targetted a knee or some other debilitiating part.

Pfft, those guys bitching about Ward would love it if the receivers on their own teams played the way he did.

Dirty used to mean someone who intentionally tried to gouge your eyes out, twisted your ankle at the bottom of the pile.

Chop blocked, cut or bite players. !7% why bother with a small sampling.

(17 percent is not a small sampling. -- Bob Smizik)

If my kid was an aspiring football player I would point him at Hines Ward and say, "Play like him."

Defensive players just don't like the tables being turned on them; they perceive themselves as the hunters, but Hines treats them like the prey.

How the heck did Polamalu get 3% of the vote? I think it's just sour grapes from teams that aren't winning Super Bowls. Haynesworth stomps on someone's unprotected head and somehow Ward gets voted the dirtiest player?

this is awesome.  the ageless Hines, who has always played best with a chip on his shoulder, will emerge from his magical hyperbaric chamber Monday night more ready than ever to show the NFL just how "dirty" he plays.

i look for a big game in Denver from Ward now.

Hines Ward is my favorite football player of all time, i am proud to wear the #86 Steelers jersey with his name on it when i cheer for our team.

This poll is off base!  Hines Ward is one of the hardest working players in the NFL who also has an endless sunny disposition.  He's forever smiling, even when he takes a hit during a game. Dirty, is a word that hardly describes him to those of us in Pittsbugh who know him.

Focused, committed and always ready to play 100%, that accurately describes our Hines Ward!  He's also a leader on a team of stars.

Any coach and player would have taken Hines at his prime this decade.  They're just jealous.

Now I'd like to see the results of a survey that asks:   "What WR NOT currently on your team would you like to have ON your team?"  

My prediction is that Ward, if not #1, would be one of the top 3.

Ward is a hard hitter whose example has clearly influenced other Steeler receivers as there is no other team with such excellent downfielld blocking as delivered by the STEELER receiving group.

And don't discount the fact that Ward takes as good as he gives, without complaint.  

And those who gripe about his hits are geneally guilty of violating one of the first rules you learn when being taught to play the game:  keep your head up, be aware of what's around you, and PLAY TO THE WHISTLE!

This poll comes out annually and he is always in the top 5 or so.... no new news here.

He plays hard to the whistle and as many have said, he takes his share of big hits and never shys away from contact.  How often to you see WR's catch the ball and as they are running up on a d-player lean and fall down infront of that D-player prior to the hit..... Ward takes the ball and initiates the contact no matter if there are 2 LB's in his path.  

He is a MANs MAN............

Hines Ward is the dirtiest player I have ever seen.

Sincerely,

Conrad Dobler

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I've never seen Hines Ward commit anything close to a "cheap shot". The block on Rivers was required, delivered and extremely effective.

I would take 11 Hines Ward on my team ANY DAY, ANY TIME. He is a warrior that plays the game as it is meant to be played, with emotion, intensity, heart, passion, and the will to win. People can call him dirty till the cows come home and he'll still be the one smiling with the two super bowl rings and the MVP trophy.  

This is exactly why I cannot stand Pittsburgh Steeler fans. You guys refuse to admit to anything negative toward your team. If somebody says something bad about the Steelers you get all defensive and start saying everybody is jealous or sour grapes he is a warrior and all of that crap.

Ok Ward takes hits and gives hits and he is a WR and he plays the game hard and to the whistle. That doesn’t mean he isn’t dirty. I personally think he is completely filthy and the reason for his smile all the time is because he is cocky and trying to be an *******.

KAPSS what world are you living in that you think that any team would take him first or even in the top 20 wide receivers outside of any team? There is no way. Also about the Steelers receiving group is the best downfield blockers is just ridiculous. Ward is the only solid blocker on the WR core and the others are avg or below. I have noticed most teams WR have been blocking very well anymore so don’t try and just throw out some garbage so you can say the Steelers are the best in the league at something.

Burgh Buckeye – Why do you think Rivers would be on the bench before the league was pansified? Because he got hit and his jaw was broken? So if Ward had his jaw broke he is a pansy too? Your explanation doesn’t make any sense.

Also about that hit. Your jaw is not going to get broke without it being hit and Wards shoulder did not hit his jaw so that means something else must have.. hmmm I wonder what hit his jaw??

As most Hines Ward fans like to say there is more to being a WR than just Catching and receiving you also have to block. Well there is a lot more to the WR position than just blocking and Ward is not have as talented in the other areas of the position than most. Ward may be more durable than the avg WR and probably most WRs but he also isn’t as skilled with speed and catching ability and strength as most WRs either. I also think it is ignorant to say that he works harder than anybody. Im not saying he doesn’t but I guarantee there are plenty of NFL players that work just as hard if not harder than him.

Jerm,

Thx for your .02, but the bulk of those fantasy stat compilers that you refer to as being better WR's than Ward, don't have a prayer of ever smelling the hallowed halls of Canton.  Conversely, most informed football analysts agree that Hines' career achievements will likely result in his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

20 current WR's better, I'm ashamed to say that I continued reading past that absurdity!  Now who is gonna take anything you post seriously after such an asinine comment as that?

BlitzBurghDude why did you stop writing couldnt you think of any more ridiculous ways to say Hall of Fame? Also like i mentioned in my post just because they are "fantasy stat compilers"  doesnt mean they do not do the other things well too. Lets just take Larry Fitzgerald for instance. Do you think that he is not worried about blocking as well as his yards and TDs? Do you think that he does not work on that even though he is one of the top WR "fantasy stat" wise in the NFL?

And its easy to say a bulk of players will not make the HOF because its not something easy to get into. And YES Ward is not a top 20 WR in the NFL.

Here is what i gather from listening to Steeler fans.

Best QB in the league- Ben Roethlisburger (and Tom Brady is overrated)

Best RB in the league- Mendenhal and Parker Tied at the top

Best WR in the league- Ward and Holmes tied at the top

Best Safety- Palamalu

Best LB- Harrison (Ray Lewis sucks booooo)

You are not always right. Your team is not always the best and there are just as bad of characters on the Steelers team as any other team if not more. JUST ACCEPT THAT. Hines Ward is voted dirtiest because he is Dirty a bunch of guys didnt get together and conspire against him like you might think. Just admit it and accept it, its not that big of a deal. I am a big penguins fan. Rutu was a dirty player but he was on my team and i liked him. See how i admitted that? it wasnt very hard.

"Best QB in the league- Ben Roethlisburger (and Tom Brady is overrated)"

well considering the fact that NE did pretty well last year with a guy who stepped in for the injured Brady definitely speaks to the quality in NE being overall or system related. i certainly don't think that anyone thinks that Ben is the best by far, but i do believe he should be being mentioned with P Manning, Brady, Brees, etc. even though he has only been getting that this year.  in terms of which player i would want leading my team down the field for a go-ahead TD with 1 minute left? no question that's gotta be Ben.

"Best RB in the league- Mendenhal and Parker Tied at the top"

i'd love for you to show me just ONE person who said that. i wish you lots of luck.

"Best WR in the league- Ward and Holmes tied at the top"

again i wish you luck finding a person to actually say that. that said, would you really rather have a player like Ocho-cinco? TO? Randy Moss? our guys have no problem putting up stats, always playing hard, and not being complete douche bags who bring entire teams down with their nonsense. those two you mentioned have Super Bowl MVPs because of that. how can you go wrong with them?!

"Best Safety- Palamalu"

first, learn how to spell. second, the guy has been first team all-pro more than once. i guess it's more than just Steelers fans who believe he is the best safety in the league, eh?

"Best LB- Harrison (Ray Lewis sucks booooo)"

Ray Lewis may have been the best at one point, but that point is certainly gone by. James Harrison was the 2008 NFL Defensive player of the year. numerous national sportswriters claim him to be one of the best defensive players in the league, period.

As for the list of Best players in the league, i was exaggerating to make a point. The bad part is that it is not that off base. You said "in terms of which player i would want leading my team down the field for a go-ahead TD with 1 minute left? no question that's gotta be Ben." Ok Roethlisburger has his share of late drives but to say no question it has to be him is ridiculous. I understand you are going to prefer your guy over somebody on another team but not everyone thinks no question. I personally would choose between Manning or Favre and that is tough leaving out a bunch of other guys that i could very easily choose. To even say that you think Brady is overrated is insane. If you were on Bradys side you could talk about his super bowls just how you do for the guys on the steelers.

KAPSS said "Now I'd like to see the results of a survey that asks:   "What WR NOT currently on your team would you like to have ON your team?"  

My prediction is that Ward, if not #1, would be one of the top 3."

He is basically implying that Ward is the best WR in the league all around and for sure in the top 3. There is some proof about find somebody that said they are the best. As for Ocho Cinco, TO, and Randy Moss. I would much rather have any of them over Ward. I would take Holmes over TO but not the other 2. Also when im talking about the best WR in the league im not talking about guys like them besides Moss. Im talking about

Larry Fitzgerald

Andre Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Calvin Johnson

Roddy White

Randy Moss

Greg Jennings

Brandon Marshall

Marques Colston

Vincent Jackson

jerm,

What happened to the other 50% of your 20 WR's better than Ward (LOL), run outta fingers?  Of the 10 you were able to come up with, about half of those are disputable at best & laughable at worst...C.Johnson (we are talking about NFL accomplishments as opposed to those at college in the state of Georgia, correct?), R.White, Colston, V.Jackson (nope, nope & nope), Jennings (?).

As for Ben's rightful place as an elite NFL franchise QB & Brady's being overrated......Q:  Put Ben with the N.E. Cheats where he is afforded the same protection as Brady & furthermore, given the advantage of having the defensive signals, as Brady has thru most of his career...now put Brady behind the Steeler OL (the same one that has allowed more sacks & QB hits than any other, since Ben has been in the league).  In your honest, unbiased Steeler fan hating, opinion, who thrives & who dives?

(hint:  for a clue as to the answer, look at the video of Super Bowl XLII, where Brady wilts under the pressure of the Giant pass rush, one of the few times he's faced as much heat, conversely for Ben that's just another day at the office, a day that over 70% of the time ends in victory!)

btw, although I don't put as much stock into it as many others, FACT is, that in Ben's 2 Super Bowl winning runs he has a higher avg. passer efficiency rating than Brady in his 3 Super Bowl winning runs & 4 total Super Bowl runs for that matter...the next time Brady engineers a 4th Qtr. come from behind, game winning TD drive in a Super Bowl, will be his FIRST!

"Ok Roethlisburger has his share of late drives but to say no question it has to be him is ridiculous. I understand you are going to prefer your guy over somebody on another team but not everyone thinks no question. I personally would choose between Manning or Favre and that is tough leaving out a bunch of other guys that i could very easily choose."

i would definitely rather have Ben right now than Favre. and not that i don't like Manning, i think he is a great QB but the guy has not gotten it done at the end of big games as regularly as Ben. i don't think that saying that is a knock on him! the point is that Ben is getting recognition from many around the league as being an MVP candidate now ONLY because of his numbers being skewed high due to our weak running game this year. nothing about his play this year is any different.

"To even say that you think Brady is overrated is insane. If you were on Bradys side you could talk about his super bowls just how you do for the guys on the steelers."

i didn't talk about Super Bowls at all in my comparison. but let's face the facts: Brady took the team to 18-1, then the next year their previously unplayed QB took them to an 11-5 record and only narrowly missed the playoffs. now Brady is back and it is business as usual, while the 11-5 QB from last year is struggling on a far inferior team.

completely aside from stats, i've watched many of the great QBs of the last 25 or so years, and i would take a large number of them over Brady based purely on his play: Montana, Elway, Marino, S Young, Kelly, etc. the impression these days is that Brady is one of the greatest of all time, and i just don't think that is true. so that makes him overrated.

as for your receivers, some of them are great receivers, some are not really. but the point is that despite the fact that Ward may not be as athletic as some of those guys, he has a well rounded game, doesn't get hurt, and still puts up good stats in what was previously a run-based O.