Super Bowl 2011: The Intangibles of Charles Woodson and Hines Ward

Two players at the same age are arguably playing their best football heading into Super Bowl XLV.

Their intangible sacrifices to the game of football, their respective teams and life are unparalleled—and both will make for a great Super Bowl.

Their experience, leadership and presence (notice how all three relate) have enhanced the play of their teammates and in doing so is why both are Hall of Fame worthy.

Who would you want on your team? Weigh in with your thoughts and let's find out!

But first, the resulting proof that both players deserve to be considered impact players.

Impact Of Hines Ward

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass in front of Johnathan Wade #26 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty

To begin, the statistical impact of Hines Ward.

Selected to four pro bowls (2001-2004), and a three time All-Pro (2002-2004).

Three times has Ward earned Steelers' Team MVP (2002, 2003, 2005) and he also holds three Pittsburgh career receiving records; Receptions (954), yards (11,702) and TDs (83).

Yeah better than Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.

Not to mention his No. 2 receiver has changed on a consistent basis. First it was Plaxico Burress, then Santonio Holmes and now Mike Wallace.

Swann and Stallworth were like Bebop and Rocksteady (for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans).

With that being said, it should have been easier to single out Ward with an ever changing receiver core as opposed to Swann or Stallworth.

Impact Of Charles Woodson

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 12: Cornerback Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after just missing an interception in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks on October 12, 2008 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Packers defeated the Sea

While with the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2005, Woodson was easily the most consistent player.

Four of his seven pro bowl selections, and three of his All-Pro team selections, were as a Raider.

But toward the end of his time in Oakland, Charles dealt with some injuries as well as issues with head coach Tom Callahan.

Beginning in 2006, Woodson became a member of the Green Bay Packers and made an immediate impact.

Three straight All-Pro teams and pro bowl selections from 2008-2010 including the 2009 defensive player of the year.

Also, he has totaled 30 picks since joining the Packers (including nine in 2009) and eight returned back for TDs.

Experience

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PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after catching a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the game on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Now we go into what everyone looks at first; experience.

Both came into the league in 1998.

Woodson remains the only defensive player in the history of college football to win the Heisman Trophy, while Ward came in a bit under the radar.

However, at age 34, both are playing at a high level which can be attributed to wisdom over youth.

Ward has two Super Bowl championships (with one Super Bowl MVP), while Woodson won the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year award and was selected to the NFL's 2000 All-Decade Team.

Between the two, five Super Bowl appearances: Ward's third appearance in the big dance, while Woodson is in his second (first being with Oakland back in 2002).

Can you say experience? Check that one in the win column.

Leadership

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Wide receivers Santonio Holmes #10 and Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talk on the field together during NFL action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri

In the last slide I mentioned with age comes experience. Well, with experience comes leadership.

As players proceed throughout their NFL careers, if they are as accomplished as Woodson and Ward, leadership is 100 percent imperative.

Put yourself in their shoes, because you'll see three things all leaders provide:

1. Big brother influence (take players under your wing and show them the ropes).

2. Advice (let them pick your brain as much as possible).

3. Lead by example.

If neither Woodson nor Ward was to provide these three things expected of all leaders, not only would they not be as successful, but neither would their younger teammates.

Hence, no Super Bowl appearances.

Presence

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 8: Cornerback Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers sets for a play during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Lambeau Field on October 8, 2006 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Rams defeated the Packers 23-20. (Photo by Har

Now to add the last piece of the puzzle: With leadership comes presence.

Something that may go extremely overlooked but arguably is the most important.

Regardless of the type of business with which you are employed, when the leaders are in your presence, you can feel it.

Without words or any physical contact, you can sense the synergy that enhanced the team chemistry the moment they entered the room.

In football (and really sports in general), it's what makes game-planning while watching film that much more difficult.

If you're a Steelers fan right now, picture the Pittsburgh O lining up without Hines Ward aside Mike Wallace or Heath Miller.

For Packers fans, imagine Charles Woodson standing on the sidelines while Nick Collins tries to audible the coverage.

These guys are players that make everyone else's jobs easier, and without them the presence factor becomes irrelevant.