I don't suppose it is easy to retire before you are ready.  What may make it even more difficult is if it is a money issue characterizing why you don't want to retire but are pretty much forced to do so.  Equally difficult, I suppose, is if you still have a passion for your job and/or the company you work for.

The next stop for former Pittsburgh Steeler Wide Receiver Hines Ward may well be Canton, the NFL Hall of Fame.  Detractors may say that his stats don't warrant that stop compared to some of the other receivers who haven't made it.  Forget the rings and Super Bowl MVP, I'm really not writing this to debate that subject.  Besides, I'm a bit biased.  Hell, if I was an NFL Wide Receiver ... I'd probably want to be Mr. Hines Ward.  Then again, I'm a Steeler guy.

It is hard to feel bad for a guy that has made more money than myself at this juncture of life, yet he is pretty easy to praise for how well he did his job.  I look at life & sports in a similar fashion at times and ask one question which can define both:

"Would you want that person on your team?  Would you want that person in your life?"

Okay, that was two questions.

If the answer is yes to both those questions, that is a good start.  But Hines Ward was and is more than a good start.  Hines Ward is what is right about the game of football.  I don't know him beyond that.  But that smile always kind of told me he was more than likely what is right about life as well.

Think about it.  He's tough, clutch, a team guy, not afraid to get hit or hit, and kept under the radar for the most part until the game was actually played.  That's a good way to live life and play football in my opinion.

I would want Hines Ward on my team, in any generation.  I would want Hines Ward in my life ... especially considering he could flip the bill for some rather mischievous bar tabs;) 

While you will always be Black & Gold to me, that red that you bleed and that smile you breath will never be forgotten.  Life & Football was better with you in it.  The former goes on.

RIR, my man.  You've earned it.  I apologize that it wasn't your decision alone.

Yours Truly,

 

Jason Michael Sardi

 

 

 
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14 Comments on Rest In Retirement, Mr. Ward.

MAR
20
2012
393,917 Points Outside Blog

Smiley, is what we called him. Though, I am Pats fan and always had their number for the exception of the last game we played them. I believe he was one of the staples that make this team competitive year after year. The time has to come sooner or later but as a fan of the game some of these players you wish could play 4-ever. 
8:29pm • #1
360,570 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jason~I grew up in Steeler country back in the 70s, and when you talk about the Steelers, I'm all over it. Sadly, I don't have my finger on the pulse anymore, having lived in "football teamless land" for 30 some years (Oregon, okay, okay, college, but I don't follow that)....I will have to google Mr. Ward, but he seems to follow in the tradition of Mighty Steeler Players whom I had the joy of watching oh-so-long ago from Box Seats no less!!!!

Oh, yeah, Franco's Italian Army, Girella's Gorillas, Lynn Swann, Rocky Blier, and my sweet Terry Bradshaw, who to this day reminds me of my hero, my dad (certain gestures he does TOTALLY remind me of my wonderful departed dad). Those days were pretty remarkable. The Iron Curtain. The Immaculate Reception. Ah.....I sure miss being in a GREAT football town!
8:34pm • #2
532,041 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason,

Hines Ward...don't know all that much about his football career, but loved him and his work ethic on Dancing With the Stars. Seems to me if you're a winner in life it translates into most aspects and i'd sure say that for him!
8:41pm • #3
1,330,089 Points 189 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jason, glad Hines Ward is a great role model in the Steeler mode for you. Personally YOU are MY vagabound traveling role model of truth and the American Way. Keep being YOU dude...
9:25pm • #4
136,590 Points Outside Blog

Even though I watch a few Pro games here and there, I am not a fan of any particular team, but your word "retirement" intrigued me as just today I met a new client.  He has lived in BALI for the past 30 years.  You can rent a house there for $300 a month.  His relative just bought a 2 bedroom one and half bath concrete stucco house for $30,000.
10:03pm • #5
326,543 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jason, I'm a boxing and tennis fan.  This doesn't bode well for me.    Brian
10:07pm • #6
MAR
21
2012
1,422,192 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ward was a team player. . and had a lot of passion.. and he can dance as well. .

I didn't know he was being force into retiring. .I'm sure there are other teams that may want to take chance on him. .
3:37am • #7
1,054,179 Points 286 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jason, Just read this morning that retirement is his choice over donning another uniform.  I can respect that.  Seeing players like Emmitt in a Cardinals uniform was just so wrong.  It's a shame to have to hang it up early and not by choice, but I like his choice.  And who knows, a couple of broken legs into the season they may be calling him back.
4:01am • #8
493,908 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bill - Yeah, I read that as well.  I respect the heck out of that.  And, like you wrote, who knows ... he may get a call this season if the chips fall a certain way.

Fernando - I'm certain that many other teams would love to have Mr. Ward on their team.  As it seems, he didn't want to be anywhere else but Pittsburgh.

And I kind of wish I could dance like him ;)

Brian - I miss John McEnroe.

Bruce - Wow!  That is extremely cheap/economic as far as pricing.  I'd want to know the particulars (area, condition,amenities, etc) ... but on the surface it sounds intriguing at the very least.  Then again, often times we get what we pay for.

Woltal - Back at ya, my man!

Lynda - True that.  True that ...

Gayle - I was too young to appreciate the original Steeler Dynasty.  But I'm quite certain Hines would have been a perfect fit with them as well.

Winston - Absolutely.  We'll see ya next season:)
8:54am • #9
801,471 Points 43 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jason, you know I'm a Patriots Fan - But first I'm a football fan...and my team isn't always on or always winning. That Said a guy like Hines ward deserves all the respect you have shown him here. Best of luck...maybe Dancing is his next gig?
9:38am • #10
MAR
22
2012
493,908 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Loynd - The guy can move.  I hope he gets a gig within the Steeler Organization, time is the only teller.
3:36pm • #11
277,652 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Ward is a HOF'r

Might take a couple of attempts.... But he belongs.

 

As a Steeler hater..... I still can't diss that guy. He earned his place in NFL history

 

 
7:29pm • #12
493,908 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I love you as well, Mr. Burris.
8:23pm • #13
MAR
28
2012
1,653,043 Points 134 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hope Mr. Ward finds this open letter to him and reads it.  I'm sure that he would enjoy the read.. 
7:21pm • #14


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