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To: Hines Ward, someplace in addition to Canton
From: Mark Madden, Pittsburgh
Expensive Hines:
I guess you keep in mind me. I referred to as you “Whines Onerous” and lampooned your unbridled ego. While you unfairly threw Ben Roethlisberger below the bus over concussion points, I mentioned so. I made enjoyable of your lame pursuit of 1,000 receptions, one 2-yard catch at a time. (That would slot in nice now.) I identified that being “the very best blocking receiver in soccer” would possibly web the Steelers all of 30 further yards per season.
That’s solely the highlights. I used to be tough on you. It was enjoyable.
You had enjoyable, too. You went on HBO and lambasted me for my criticism — you even cited “Whines Onerous” — and complained that I by no means gave you the chance to reply. That’s not true and, anyway, HBO gave me no likelihood to reply. You bought me fired from my Sunday-night TV gig with WTAE-TV and tried to get me canned from my radio job at WXDX-FM.
No criticism. If I may have gotten you chop, I’d have. If I may maintain you out of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, I’d. However I received’t should. They don’t give a rattling about that “greatest blocking receiver in soccer” stuff, both.
However, wow, the Steelers may positive use you now.
I imply that figuratively, not actually. (However, at 44, you’d be higher than Ryan Switzer was.)
You have been petty and immodest. You labeled your self “the chief of the wideouts,” despite the fact that no one else did. You have been your individual greatest fan to the onset of nausea.
However on gameday, within the locker room, and on the observe discipline, you by no means put something forward of the group. You by no means cheated the Steelers or their followers for effort, focus and angle.
Had social media been omnipresent in your prime, I don’t know the way you’ll have dealt with it. However had you indulged “branding” the way in which immediately’s gamers do, you had two rings and a Tremendous Bowl MVP to hold your hat on. You have been possessed by success and successful. Not TikTok.
Possibly I didn’t respect that sufficient. I do now.
You have got JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool to thank for that. When their careers finish, they may have branding and some huge cash (for some time). You have got a legit legacy. On the subject of Canton, you’re fairly close to even when you’re not plumb. These two will likely be nowhere shut.
Their branding isn’t even big-money branding. Baker Mayfield does mainstream commercials on community TV. These two play video video games on Twitch for chump change. They’re nickel-dimers.
Smith-Schuster and Claypool are AB Jr. and AB Jr. Jr., besides not practically pretty much as good. Half the impression, the identical aggravation. Like lite beer.
You have been at all times Hines Ward. You produced. You received. You led.
These Steelers haven’t any leaders. When Smith-Schuster was advised to knock off the pre-game dance routine, 11-year NFL veteran Joe Haden mentioned, “Let my dawg dance.” What would you’ve got mentioned?
Hines, I hope this letter finds you, and finds you properly. Subsequent time you’re in Pittsburgh, let’s have a beer at one in all your eating places. Oh, wait, they each went below.
Classes:
Mark Madden Columns | Sports activities | Steelers/NFL
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