Rolling Out sports caught up with Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward to get his take on the Super Bowl, fatherhood, and preparing for life after professional sports.
What were your expectations for the 2008 NFL season?
Our expectations were high this season. I feel that anything less than a Super Bowl victory is a waste. We are going to fight hard, but we don’t want to go home without a championship. The older I get, the opportunities come less. It was great to bring a Super Bowl title back to Pittsburgh in 2006 and we’re working to return this season.
You have played in the NFL for 11 seasons. What are you doing to prepare yourself for life after the final whistle blows?
I’m currently working on several businesses and investments. But when you’re young, you think you can play this game forever. I’ve seen a lot of players come and go. Younger guys come in and the first things that they buy are big chains and diamonds. I try to tell the guys that it’s fine to have nice things, but you’re an injury away from losing it all. You have to be smart when given this opportunity to play sports. You have a short time to make a great amount of money and you have to be smart about how you spend your money. We invest so much time and effort in this game that a lot of players don’t take the time to prepare for life after football.
I also want to get your take on fatherhood. What lessons have you learned about the importance of being a good father?
It’s very important to me. By not having my father … it has definitely given me the strength and energy to be there for my son. Regardless of whether you are divorced or no longer with their mother, you should still be a father to your kids. Every kid wants to go out and impress their father. [There are] a lot of kids in the community who don’t have a father and they feel like they are lost. I’ve worked with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to show them that they can be [a] positive [force] in this world.
The Super Bowl MVP in 2005, Hines Ward will likely play through pain in this year’s Super Bowl after suffering from a knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago. This being his 10th season in the NFL, Ward may decide to retire if the Steelers walk away with a victory on Sunday evening. ~amir shaw
