Aaron Smith > Hines Ward

 Aaron Smith still wanted to continue his career in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers decided to cut Smith to save cap space considering Smith's recent injury history, the fact that they drafted his replacements, and his age.

Smith did what Hines Ward could never do, bow out gracefully. Smith relized that the Steelers don't see him as part of their team anymore. Smith was one of the most underrated players in the NFL over the past decade and has been a staple for the Steeler's defense over the past decade.

Unlike Ward, Smith is going out with some dignity. Ward on the other hand, has been whining on Facebook and through the media, trying to make the Steelers look like bad guys for their decision of cutting him.

I'll let you compare the two:

This is what Smith said in the ad he took out in the paper:

Dear Steelers Fans,

As of today, I am no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I leave the field and Steelers with no regrets, and am grateful to have played for such a tremendous organization. I feel truly blessed to have spent my entire professional career in the best town, playing for the most loyal fans who have loved and supported myself and my family.

The last 13 years of our lives have been special because of the people who cheered me on, and I am truly fortunate to have been a part of the Steelers, the City of Pittsburgh and the Steelers Nation. You have opened your arms and your hearts to us as a family and we will never forget that. Your support, enthusiasm, love and dedication are gifts I will carry with me my entire life.

I may no longer be on the Steelers active roster, but I will always be a Steeler and will never forget the people who made it all worthwhile -- the fans, the Rooneys, the front office, the equipment guys and trainers, my teammates and family. Thank you for supporting me over the last 13 years, and I hope you will support me in whatever future path life will take me on.

We plan on making Pittsburgh our home and I will endeavor for the rest of my days to find a way to thank each and every one of you personally for all that you have done and meant for me and my family. You cheered for me for 13 years and now I cheer for you for the rest of my life. You will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to have the job of a lifetime. You will always be in my heart.

Your friend always,

Aaron Smith and Family, No. 91

Just awesome.....Smith wrote all of that from the heart. He didn't try to make the Steelers look like the bad guys, he didn't beg to play, he just said thank you and walked away. Careers end, that's what happens. The Steelers do not wish to have Ward and/or Smith on their team next year. It's not personal it's business.

Now compare what Smith wrote to what Ward wrote on his facebook:

"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life. To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular, Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold. I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL, again, this upcoming season." - HINES


What a tool bag...