Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Hines Ward worked hard to become a Pro Bowl-level talent and now he's sharing his experience with players on the San Antonio Brahams of the XFL, as the team's head coach, to help them reach or get back to the highest level. His focus is on imparting his knowledge to the guys on his roster, but he's also out to prove he can win a championship and get back to the NFL as a coach.
Former Steelers receiver Hines Ward, seen here during his time in New York, is trying to leverage his XFL opportunity to get back to the NFL. Credit: NewYorkJets.com
The Steelers Super Bowl XL MVP joined The Jim Rome Podcast to chat about his career on the field and his early takeaways from his new gig as the boss in San Antonio. The self-described perfectionist said he's not getting any sleep because he's always trying to figure out how he can make it go well:
"I wasn't the highest draft pick," said Ward who was taken by Pittsburgh in the third round in 1998. "I had to grind my way through special teams just to stay on the team and I had to believe in myself. I see a lot of myself in the guys I have on my team. If I can give them that small nugget to help them get that opportunity and when they do take advantage of it. For me, that's what it's all about."
The Pro Football Hall of Fame six-time semi-finalist was watching carefully as former All-Pro Jeff Saturday got a shot to run things with the Indianapolis Colts and told Rome he's got eyes on adding pro football head coach at the highest level to his wide-ranging resume. Unlike Saturday though, Ward has coached at both the NFL level, spending time as an offensive intern in Pittsburgh, then a full-time position with the New York Jets, and the college level as an assistant to the head coach at Florida Atlantic University:
"I look at it as, 'Let's try this and see where it goes because what can I lose," the four-time Pro Bowl pass catcher said about keeping his eyes on the NFL. "There's no expectations for anybody, but if go into and I can get the players to really buy into the message and we can put out a great product on the football field, that's a reflection of the head coach."
As much as he wants to win a championship this season, Ward is also setting other goals to prove that he has what it takes:
"I want 20% of my roster to be on NFL teams," he said. "If I can get 10 players on NFL rosters, I know that I can be a head coach at any level. "
Steelers Coaching Influence
Steelers receiver Hines Ward talks to former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher on the sidelines. Photo/CBS Sports
Ward played under Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin during his 217 games with the black and gold and is taking the example they set for him as a player to his new job:
"I learned a lot about them. They were both great leaders of men," Ward said. "They held everyone accountable and believed in hard work. We didn't care about the outside noise of people telling us what we can and cannot do. I've always had a great relationship with all my coaches. Now that I'm older, I want to share in that vision that I had having a great relationship with my players and helping them on and off the field."
Ward knows the value of hard work and what it took him to get to the highest level of the sport on the field. As he continues to push for the new goal, that same mentality of perseverance will serve him well.
So, Steeler Nation, do you think Ward will be a head coach someday in the NFL? Would you want to see him behind the bench in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.
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