John Clayton: Hines Ward More Deserving of Hall of Fame than Antonio Brown

Hines Ward or Antonio Brown, which former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is more deserving of the Hall of Fame?

Veteran NFL reporter John Clayton joined The PM Team on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, and offered his take on the debate that has gained traction in the aftermath of a Steeler-filled Enshrinement Weekend.

“Hines Ward (is more deserving),” Clayton said. “Antonio is certainly going to be on the borderline because he had the six 1,000-yard seasons, but Ward was such a complete wide receiver. He was a wide receiver who caught the ball very well, was very physical, would block, would get into battles on the field.”

Clayton also believes the team success Ward experienced will help his Hall of Fame candidacy, while Brown’s bouncing around over recent years and erratic behavior could hurt him when his time comes.

Ward played 13 seasons in Pittsburgh, while Brown played the first nine of his ten and counting. Ward is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (1,000), yards (12,083) and touchdowns (85), but Brown is not far behind. He is second in all three categories with 837 receptions for 11,207 yards and 74 scores.

Brown does have the edge in individual accolades with four First-Team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl selections, but Ward does have one more Super Bowl ring to his name.

Ward was a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2021. Brown won’t be eligible until five years after he retires from the NFL.