PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Waiting for a decade, the holdup continues for Steelers all-time leading receiver Hines Ward, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 15 finalists for this year’s class and Ward was not a part of it.
One of the toughest and best blocking receivers of all-time with 1,000 career receptions, 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns, Ward was left out in favor of receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, both of whom played their careers in a dome or for a warm-weathered franchise.
It will likely be unanimous for former Pitt All-American and Heisman runner-up Larry Fitzgerald, second only to Jerry Rice in all-time NFL receiving yards. Fitzgerald is in his first year of eligibility.
The other Hall of Fame finalists (includes 3 Ravens)
· OT Willie Anderson (Bengals, Ravens)
· QB Drew Brees (Chargers, Saints)
· G Jahri Evans (Saints, Packers)
· RB Frank Gore (49ers, Colts, Dolphins, Bills, Jets)
· LB Luke Kuechly (Panthers)
· QB Eli Manning (Giants)
· LB/DE Terrell Suggs (Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs)
· K Adam Vinatieri (Patriots, Colts)
· DT Kevin Williams (Vikings, Seahawks, Saints)
· TE Jason Witten (Cowboys, Raiders)
· S Darren Woodson (Cowboys)
· G/T Marshal Yanda (Ravens)