Hines Ward Named Hall of Fame Modern-Era Semifinalist

By Cale Berger

·Updated: November 24, 2021

21 November 2010: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (86) runs to the 16 yardline after catching a Ben Roethlisberger pass during the first quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-3 victory against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward — 21 November 2010: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (86) runs to the 16 yardline after catching a Ben Roethlisberger pass during the first quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-3 victory against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has been named a Pro Football Hall of Fame modern-era player semifinalist for the sixth-straight year.

Ward was included as one of the 26 semifinalists announced Wednesday, a group which also included seven first-year eligible individuals.

BREAKING: 7 first-year eligible players are among the list of 26 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists for the Class of 2022.

More on the semifinalists: https://t.co/C4z4QkeAF5 #PFHOF22 pic.twitter.com/E9SnNGRGeX

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 24, 2021

Ward is the Steelers’ all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083) and receiving touchdowns (85).

He was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion. Ward was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL in Detroit, where he caught the game-winning touchdown.

The players eligible for the first time include Anquan Boldin, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith, DeMarcus Ware and Vince Wilfork. All completed their playing careers in 2016.