86 is His Jersey Number Not Age

Despite turning 36 in March, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward still has the desire to play this upcoming season.

"I'd probably have to restructure my contract," Ward told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That's fine with me. I recognize that. I'm telling you I want to be here, I'm telling you I'm willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications -- we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here."

This season, Ward finished with a near career low 46 receptions for 381 yard and 2 touchdowns. Don’t be too fast to claim it’s because he lost a step. That’s not the main reason for his decline this season.

It’s obvious; Ben Roethlisberger’s new found love for the deep ball practically took Ward out of the passing game. Ward cannot continue to prove himself, if the ball is not thrown his way. Another fact to consider, most active 36 year old receivers in the league wouldn’t start over the likes of Mike Wallace and emerging Antonio Brown.

One might consider Emmanuel Sanders to solidify the number 3 spot. But, keep in mind Sanders is good, when healthy. Which these last couple of years has proven that isn’t too often. The Steelers recently let go of wide receiver Arnaz Battle. Fellow wide out Jerricho Cotchery already has a foot out the door. Next to Ward, that leaves tight end Heath Miller to keep the receiving game dangerous.

Ward may not have a full tank of gas but he sure isn’t on empty either. He deserves credit where credit is due. The emergence of Wallace and Brown doesn’t just happen naturally. One has to believe that Ward took the liberty of mentoring these two young stars. But, do you pay 4 million dollars next year for a mentor?

No, I do not think they should. However, I believe if he was to restructure his deal then one would have to retain him. Ward’s stats speak for themselves. It is obvious that he has never had speed. But, he is one of the most sure handed wide receivers in the game today. Over a 14 year span, Ward had only 12 career fumbles, 85 receiving touch downs, 1,000 receptions, and an immaculate 12,083 receiving yards.

Keep in mind, Ward was a college quarterback who got drafted to play receiver on a running football team.  If you ask me, that’s not too shabby.

Whether he is catching touchdowns, moving the chains, or slamming his helmet into a defender, will the Steelers risk having to game plan against him? One has to wonder, if the price is right, will the team retain the future hall of famer? If you don't remember what number 86 has brought to the table, take a few minutes out and click this link.