Building the Case for Hines Ward as a Hall of Famer

According to Will Graves of the Associated Press, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to release veteran receiver Hines Ward:

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The franchise’s all-time leader in just about every meaningful receiving category will be released sometime in the next two weeks said president Art Rooney II on the team’s website on Wednesday.

“We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Rooney said.

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So, Ward will not be in the Black and Gold next fall, but in the article Ward states that he still wants to suit up:

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“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,” Ward said in a statement.

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Unfortunately for Hines, he's going to be 36 years old before the 2012 season begins and his production has taken a nosedive since the 2009 season.

After all, Pittsburgh has younger and faster receivers such as Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and although it's still up in the air for next fall, speedster Mike Wallace.

The good news for Ward, though, is that his accomplishments are Hall of Fame worthy. So, whenever he does decide to hang up the cleats for good, a place in Canton, Ohio seems like a foregone conclusion.

To make a case for Ward, let's briefly look at to two former Steelers receivers, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of which are in the Hall of Fame, and compare all three.

Lynn Swann

Finishing his career with just 336 receptions and scoring 51 touchdowns in nine seasons, Lynn Swann averaged 16.2 yards per reception and compiled 5,462 receiving yards. He was selected to three Pro Bowls, made three All-Pro teams, was the MVP of Super Bowl X and was part of the Pittsburgh's four Super Bowls during the 1970s.

The man brought finesse and elegance to the wide receiver position by making spectacular plays downfield. On a team and playing in a city known for giving off a tough vibe and being hard-nosed, Swann's play was more artistic and unique.

There's no denying his toughness, though it's not the first thing that comes to mind when Swann's name is brought up. If anything, he changed how receivers can become deep threats on a consistent basis.

John Stallworth

Swann's complement receiver, but based on his 537 receptions for 8,723 yards and 63 touchdowns, Stallworth proved to be every bit as good and not just a No. 2 receiver. Plus he played five more seasons than Swann.

The difference between the two was Stallworth's ability to get yards after the catch. Arguably the best aspect of his game, the man just needed to make one guy miss and it was over. What made him so dangerous, though, was that both he and Swann could easily beat any single coverage but double-teaming one made life easier for the other.

In short, Stallwoorth dominated and went on to earn four Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pros and was part of four Super Bowl championships.

Hines Ward

To be frank, Hines Ward didn't have that consistent complement No. 2 receiver throughout his career.

He spent a lot of time playing with new receivers throughout his career and although guys like Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El and Santonio Holmes were solid, none compare to Swann and Stallworth's rapport.

This makes Ward that much more appealing as a Hall of Fame candidate. Plus, his quarterbacks consisted of Kordell Stewart, Tommy Maddox and then finally Ben Roethlisberger in 2004 (his seventh season).

Through 2011, Ward has accumulated 1,000 receptions, 12,083 yards and has scored 85 touchdowns. That's more catches than Swann and Stallworth combined, almost their combined receiving yards and more touchdowns than both.

Considering that Ward has played with far less talent around him than both Swann and Stallworth, those numbers have to be Hall of Fame worthy. Yes, it's a different era of football and the passing game is more prevalent than the 1970s or 80s, but the numbers speak for themselves.

To essentially match Stallworth's and Swann's combined numbers is unbelievable. Throw in four Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, two Super Bowl rings (three appearances) and one Super Bowl MVP, and it would be ludicrous if Ward didn't make the Hall of Fame.

John Rozum on Twitter.