Hines Ward

Professional football wide receiver Hines Ward plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League.

On April 27, 2009, Ward signed a five-year contract extension with the Steelers. The deal is believed to be worth a total of $22 million.CBSSports.com: Steelers Veteran WR Ward Signs Five-year Extension

Ward underwent surgery in February of 2009 to "clean up" his shoulder. He previously was said to be considering surgery for an MCL tear in his right knee, however the injury is expected to heal on its own.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Steelers' Ward Has Surgery on Shoulder, Not Knee

Ward was a highly touted quarterback for Forest Park High School in Georgia. He was selected as an All-American by Super Prep and USA Today as well as being chosen for the all state team. While at the University of Georgia he was a jack of all trades playing receiver, quarterback and tailback. His 3,870 all-purpose yards is second most in Georgia history, second only to Herschel Walker. In 1997 Ward was selected to the All-SEC Team and graduated with a degree in consumer economics.

In the 1998 NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ward 92nd overall and he was promoted to the starting lineup in his second year. Since then he has become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and has broken Steeler career records for receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro selections, three team MVP awards and was awarded the Super Bowl MVP for his performance in Super Bowl XL.

• Mahalo's Guide to the Pittsburgh Steelers
• NFL.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 205
  • Rookie Year: 1998

• March 8, 1976: Born

• 1994-97: Attended the University of Georgia

• 1998: Selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers

• 2002-05: First of four consecutive seasons named to the Pro Bowl

• 2005: Became the Steelers all-time leader in pass receptions

• 2006: Named Super Bowl XL MVP leading the Steelers to the NFL Championship