The Pittsburgh Steelers have a great relationship with their fan base for the most part. The fans love the team and usually love most of the players, with a few exceptions. Hines Ward is one of the most beloved Steelers players of all-time by the fans. Ward was recently cut by the Steelers for a number of reasons, his age and productivity being the biggest reason.
Since the decision to release Ward has been made, fans in pretty decent numbers have become sad and angry at the same time. I have seen a lot of support for Ward, from people literally crying to fans going as far as to say they will boycott the Steelers’ 2012 season for cutting Ward.
Really?
Is it really that serious? Did someone die? Ward was a good player who had a great career, but he got to play for 14 seasons, accomplished a ton, and was treated very well by the Steelers, the media, and their fans over the years.
Fact is Ward got benched last year because he was getting older and slower and the other receivers on the team were younger, faster, and better at this point. Its not like Ward didn’t get a chance last year. He was a starter for about half of the season. He just wasn’t getting it done. Ward couldn’t get open, and even when he did he either dropped the ball (career high in drops) or he caught it and the play didn’t go anywhere. (Ward had the lowest yards per catch in the entire NFL last year)
Ward’s career is over. I know it and the Steelers know it. Now it’s time to get some closure and move on.
Moving on is hard, trust me I know. I recently just got out of a long-term relationship with the woman that I thought I was going to marry. I loved her very much and had a lot of good times with her.
But it didn’t work out, like all good things it came to an end. I was mad and upset when it came to an end just like Ward’s supporters. I begged her to stay with me, just like Steelers’ fans are begging the Steelers to bring Ward back, and just like Ward was begging the Steelers to re-sign him.
Just like my ex-girlfriend didn’t want to be with me anymore, the Steelers do not want Ward on the team anymore. Rejection sucks.
I got angry about my relationship, calling her names, feeling resentment towards my ex because I wasn’t ready for the relationship to be over. Same can be said for all of these “Ward supporters” and how they feel about Ward being cut. They weren’t ready.
It’s tough. But it’s just football. At least Ward accomplished a lot. Some players dream of having a career like Ward. Most players are only in the league for a few seasons. Ward had a long career, won two Super Bowls, and was beloved by many for one of the most successful organizations in sports.
I wish I could have had that good of a relationship with my ex. Instead of fighting it, just move on. Sure it’s going to be hard at first. Some fans will miss seeing Ward as a Steeler next season. Some days I miss my ex, that’s natural.
The NFL is a business. The Steelers are moving on from Ward. Ward still wants to play football, and that’s fine, but now there are reports coming out that Ward “wants” to play for the Baltimore Ravens. Why, to get back at the Steelers for cutting him? That’s childish. That would be like my ex saying she’s going to bang one of my best friends to get back at me……And to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if either of them tried and/or went on and did that.
Did someone say sloppy seconds?
My advice to Ward is to either…
A. Retire
B. Go to a team not associated with the Steelers. Play for the Lions or something
C. Keep doing C-Harper commercials
D. Call Ben Roethlisberger out
E. Retire
My advice to the “Ward supporters”
A. Get over it
B. Move on
C. Shut the Hell up
D. Get a life
E. Find a hobby
F. Go watch Dancing with the Stars
G. Protest in the streets of Pittsburgh
H. Light a candle
I. Raise a flag
J. Get over it
And if those of you with tickets that are boycotting the team, I have plenty of friends and associates that would be willing to take them off your hands. Steelers will still sell-out every game. Whammy!
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