Thumb Surgery Coming for Pittsburgh Steelers' Hines Ward

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is no stranger to pain—whether it's delivering devastating blocks and stiff-arms or receiving bone jarring hits from defenders.

Ward will undergo surgery on injured thumb ligaments, an injury he suffered on the football field and not while winning the reality show Dancing with the Stars.

Ward should be back in time for the season, if there is one, but what's more remarkable is the amount of pain Ward has played through during his career.

Ward is known for being one of the best blockers in the NFL—a position he cemented with a literally jaw-breaking hit on Bengals' linebacker Keith Rivers in October 2008. Ward was criticized then by many in the NFL, including division rival Terrell Suggs.

Ward has also been named the NFL's "dirtiest player" twice, most recently in 2009 after the hit on Rivers.

The Steelers all-time leading receiver is also no stranger to playing through pain. Ward played Super Bowl XLIII with sprained MCL, and although he only accounted for two catches, he was a major factor in the run game.

A testament to Ward's toughness is shown in the fact that he caught at least one pass in 186 straight games.

Ward may be considered dirty, but he's also great for the NFL.