The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have 32 Hall of Famers in team history. Between the 1970s dynasty, the feared 1990s teams, and the historic 2000s teams, the Steelers became one of the most prestigious NFL franchises. Right now playing currently, they have two potential Hall of Famers in TJ Watt and Cam Heyward. Over the years, the Steelers have seen the likes of Alan Faneca and Troy Polamalu inducted into the Hall of Fame. They were a part of the great 2000s Steeles teams that won two Super Bowls and appeared in three, but one of their teammates, who was a pivotal piece to those teams, has yet to make it.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Ex-Steelers WR Hines Ward after the Super Bowl as confetti falls.
Hines Ward is a former Super Bowl MVP and was one of the best receivers of the 2000s decade. He was a gritty receiver who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Ward was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Second Team All-Pro. Despite these accolades however, Ward has still not been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He has been eligible since 2017; he's been a semi-finalist for 10 straight years.
2026 is no different. Ward was snubbed once again and it's beginning to look like he may never make it. NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter spoke on the Fully Loaded podcast recently, where he gave his surprising take on Ward.
"Hines Ward, only 85 touchdowns, only four Pro Bowls, those numbers right there are hard to overcome," Carter said. "You know, if he had 1,000 catches, 100 touchdowns... the MVP that season, like in that Super Bowl, it helps. He just doesn't have the numbers."
Ward's numbers aren't the greatest the NFL has ever seen. As a player overall, he was one of the most complete receivers in the NFL. The 2000s Steelers defenses were known for their hard-hitting, aggressive style, but Ward on offense was just as aggressive. The hits Ward made during his time would have him suspended in today's NFL. Ward may not have the greatest numbers, but he is 31st all-time in receiving yards. There are plenty of guys behind Ward who are already inducted.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Hines Ward secures one of 1,000 career catches.
Ward is ahead of guys like Michael Irvin, Calvin Johnson, and Lance Alworth. All are currently in the Hall of Fame. Ward is tied with Alworth in touchdowns and clears the rest. He also has more touchdowns than Houston Texans' Hall of Famer Andre Johnson. That is some pretty good company. Ward is arguably a more complete receiver than all of these players. His role as a blocker cannot be undermined as well.
Steelers' Ward May Never Make The Hall Of Fame
Ward is a guy who helped change the game and the way players are allowed to crack block, but the NFL is seeing a lot of very good receivers -- a lot of receivers that may have already passed Ward up. Right now, the NFL has serious star power at receiver; it may not see a reason to induct Ward anytime soon.
Guys like Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, and Tyreek Hill, just to name a few, are arguably better receivers than Ward, but just haven't had the complete career yet. These players have all helped change the way teams play defense in today's NFL. The NFL has become a much more two-high safety league than when Ward played, with a more traditional one-high. This isn't necessarily Ward's fault; he played in a much different era of football.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the ball during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sept. 30, 2024.
Schemes in today's NFL are much more advanced and quarterback-friendly. Guys run wide open seemingly on every play. Ward played in an era where teams were built through the run game -- run the ball to set up the pass. Now, some teams pass to set up the run game. It's not Ward's fault he played in that era, but it is a very real possibility that it could cost him the Hall of Fame.
What do you think? Is Ward a Hall of Famer? Do you think Ward is ever going to be inducted? Follow us for more news!
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