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Former Steelers WR Apologizes for Super Bowl Win
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Hines Ward had to get back in the good graces of his new fanbase in Arizona.
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward jumped at the opportunity to get back into coaching but he had to clear the air with a state full of people that might not be his biggest fans or love the franchise
During his first meeting with local media in Tempe, Arizona after being named the wide receivers coach at Arizona State, Ward joked that he was sorry for being part of the Steelers team the denied the Arizona Cardinals their first Super Bowl title in franchise history way back in 2009.
"I apologize for us beating the Cardinals years ago," Ward said. "So don't hold that against me. But I enjoy being here at Arizona State
Ward, coming off a 1,000-yard campaign during the regular season, was battling an MCL sprain during the 2008-09 postseason and didn't leave much of an impression on the box score in Super Bowl XLIII. He recorded just 2 catches for 43 yards but the Steelers emerged victorious, 27-23, thanks in large part to Santonio Holmes, who caught 9 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. James Harrison's 100-yard interception return score certainly didn't hurt either.
But Ward's playing days are long behind him and he's now focused on his new job with the Sun Devils, where he will try to develop the next generation of great wide receviers headed to the NFL.
"I'm always a firm believer, man. God dropped this opportunity in my lap for a reason. I love coaching, I love helping young men," Ward said. "That's really my blessing to these guys. God wanted me to continue to touch young men's lives and not just make them football players but men in life."
