All Steelers

Former Steelers WR Apologizes for Super Bowl Win

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Hines Ward had to get back in the good graces of his new fanbase in Arizona.

Stephen Thompson

ASU receivers coach Hines Ward watches his wide outs during a spring practice at the Kajikawa
ASU receivers coach Hines Ward watches his wide outs during a spring practice at the Kajikawa / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward jumped at the opportunity to get back into coaching but he had to clear the air with a state full of people that might not be his biggest fans or love the franchise

During his first meeting with local media in Tempe, Arizona after being named the wide receivers coach at Arizona State, Ward joked that he was sorry for being part of the Steelers team the denied the Arizona Cardinals their first Super Bowl title in franchise history way back in 2009.

"I apologize for us beating the Cardinals years ago," Ward said. "So don't hold that against me. But I enjoy being here at Arizona State

Ward, coming off a 1,000-yard campaign during the regular season, was battling an MCL sprain during the 2008-09 postseason and didn't leave much of an impression on the box score in Super Bowl XLIII. He recorded just 2 catches for 43 yards but the Steelers emerged victorious, 27-23, thanks in large part to Santonio Holmes, who caught 9 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. James Harrison's 100-yard interception return score certainly didn't hurt either.

But Ward's playing days are long behind him and he's now focused on his new job with the Sun Devils, where he will try to develop the next generation of great wide receviers headed to the NFL.

"I'm always a firm believer, man. God dropped this opportunity in my lap for a reason. I love coaching, I love helping young men," Ward said. "That's really my blessing to these guys. God wanted me to continue to touch young men's lives and not just make them football players but men in life."

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

Home/News