Hines Ward Says He Won't Hold Back As Analyst For NBC

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says he will not have a problem being candid and impartial as he transitions from the football field to television. Some players have struggled criticizing their former team and one-time teammates once they were in the booth or in studio, but Ward insists he's ready for the job. Ward was sometimes controversial with blunt comments made during his playing career, and that's not going to change now that he's being paid to speak his opinion. Via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly:

"It won't be hard (to criticize)," Ward said. "One thing about playing football and doing interviews, I was always opinionated, and sometimes people didn't like what I said. I am sure there are going to be games where somebody goes into the locker room and says to them that Hines didn't pick you. I can't pick (the Steelers) every week."

Ward also stated that he won't be malicious, but simply state what sees when he doesn't think someone is performing as well as they should.

For more on Hines Ward's transition to the studio, head over to Behind The Steel Curtain.

Hines Ward Hired By NBC Sports

A little more than two months after he officially retired from the NFL, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has been hired by NBC Sports to be a contributor to various NBC football shows, both professional and collegiate.

NBC-TV hires retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward for various NFL & college football shows, including Sunday Night in America and SportsTalk.

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) May 31, 2012

Ward, who appeared on NBC's Super Bowl pregame show, will not be restricted to just one show while working for NBC. According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ward will be a part of shows like NBC SportsTalk, which broadcasts on the NBC Sports Network. Ward is obviously very excited for this opportunity to move into the studio.

I am really excited. It's not everyday that you get the chance to work for a powerhouse like the NBC Sports Group. It is a big honor for me and I am looking forward to making the most of this great opportunity.

For more on Hines Ward's transition to the studio, head over to Behind The Steel Curtain.

Hines Ward To Mike Wallace: Stick With Steelers

On the day of his retirement, former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward had some advice for fellow Pittsburgh wideout Mike Wallace, who’s a restricted free agent.

At his retirement news conference Tuesday, Ward said he has urged Mike Wallace to do what he can to remain with the Steelers. “I told Mike you may get a chance to go other places but there’s not another place like Pittsburgh,” Ward said.

The Steelers elected not to use the franchise tag on Wallace this offseason, which will give other teams a crack at signing him. The cost will be high, however, as another team would have to forfeit their first-round pick, so there’s a very good chance Wallace will be back in Pittsburgh this fall.

After that, however, things get dicey, as Wallace will be a free agent, and the Steelers will be unlikely to value him as other teams do — they’ve shown a knack for grabbing good receivers (like Ward and Wallace themselves, who were both drafted in the third round) in the late rounds of the draft. However special a place Pittsburgh might be, there might not be enough money to keep him there beyond 2012. That’s nice of Ward to say, however.

For more on Hines Ward’s retirement, head over to Behind The Steel Curtain.

Hines Ward Retires, Thanks Pittsburgh Steelers Fans For Support

When Hines Ward was speaking at his retirement press conference earlier on Tuesday, he had many kind words for Steelers fans. Ward retired Tuesday, weeks after learning that the Steelers did not want him back in 2012.

"Today, I'm officially retiring a Pittsburgh Steeler," Ward said. "And as much as I will miss football, my teammates, coaches and everything about the game, I don't want to play it in any other uniform. The black and gold runs deep in me, and I will remain a Steeler for life."

It was so good to see Ward continue to praise the fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers. For a player like Ward to retire having only played for one team in the modern age of free agency, its really refreshing to hear this from a player.

"I spent time reading thousands of e-mails, Facebook posts, tweets, letters, cards and well wishes from fans everywhere," Ward said ... "Through it all, I realized that there's only one thing I lover more than the game, and that's Steeler Nation."

Ward was a tremendous credit to his team and the league. Here's hoping the retired life is a good one for him.

For more on the retirement of Hines Ward keep checking on this StoryStream. For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers, check our SBNation Blog Behind the Steel Curtain.

Hines Ward Retirement: Steelers All-Time Leading Wide Receiver Calls It A Career

Hines Ward, the all-time leading receiver in receptions, touchdowns and receiving yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers, announced his retirement in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. An obviously emotional Hines Ward told those that in attendance that he "couldn't see himself playing for another team." Ward also talked about his desire to stay affiliated with the organization and called himself "a Steeler for life."

All in all, his career numbers scream 'Hall-of-Famer.' His career ends with 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards for an average of 12.1 yards per catch and 85 touchdown receptions. Ward had six seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards and three seasons of more than 10 touchdowns. However, with receivers such as Cris Carter still waiting for his ticket to Canton, Ward may have a long time to wait.

For more on the retirement of Hines Ward keep checking on this StoryStream. For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers, check our SBNation Blog Behind the Steel Curtain.

Hines Ward Expected To Announce Retirement At Press Conference Tuesday

Hines Ward will hold a press conference at the Steelers training facility on Tuesday where he is expected to announce his retirement.