Hines Ward -- Hall of Famer?

We've discussed this one in pieces before, but if we can have a thread about a guy with no shot like Stephen Jackson, why not Ward?

I like asking this because i really don't know if he should get in or not. I can see both arguments.

Positives:
- Two Super Bowl rings. One Super Bowl MVP Award.
- Currently eighth in NFL history with 967 career receptions, likely to end up with over 1,000
- Well-earned reputation as a great blocker

Negatives
- Will even 1,000 career receptions mean that much by the time he's eligible?
- Despite all those catches, he barely cracks the top 20 all-time in yardage and touchdowns
- Was he ever really among the top 2 or 3 at his position?
- Does the reputation as a dirty player hurt his cause?
- I don't care what other NFL guys have done it, appearing on Dancing With the Stars has to be a negative. Winning it even worse.

So, what do y'all think?

 

The Stephen Jackson thread is a reach, but I think Ward gets in eventually. And that's coming from someone who hates everything Steelers and can't stand Ward.

 

Now this is a good debate. ... honestly I could see him shaping up as a vet committee guy down the road. I don't think the dirty player rep hurts his cause because I think the voters would consider it hard-nosed more than anything, the whole "complete player" deal. He would be helped greatly if he could stick around for another Super Bowl win; a team with three titles in 10 years would have to be represented, but I don't know who (other than Big Ben) would be the candidates to represent that Steeler era.

 

James Harrison, perhaps?

 

Willie Parker (Twoback)

 

I don't know, he wasn't even a starter on the first SB champion and he isn't likely to be around for another one. Plus, if Ward's dirty play would hold him back at all, Harrison's will keep him out of Canton forever.

 

Those guys were compilers more than anything else, though, a lot like Ward -- Carter had two first-team All-Pro selections, but Brown had none. And if Ward plays 2-3 more years he's going to end up near them in catches and TDs, a bit behind in yards. Add in the team success and it's even a closer case.

If the population of voters stays basically the same, one thing to consider is that they tend to see themselves as guardians of the old school. I think they'd value a guy like Ward if he has similar numbers to Brown, who was often seen as a bit soft.

 

I don't think he'll make it. In this era, he's going to be far behind some of his peers who will be coming up for election at the same time or soon after. He may compare favorably with current HOFers, but those wide receivers (with the exception of Jerry Rice) are going to be blown away by several players of Ward's generation.

 

Ward would have to wait for Andre Reed and Tim Brown and Cris Carter first, and think of the other guys coming with him. Marvin Harrison was better than Ward, and Reggie Wayne will probably have better numbers when he retires. Randy Moss was better than Ward.

What about guys like Donald Driver or Amani Toomer or Derrick Mason? Solid for a lot of years but not that "wow" factor.

 

Best Steeler of this era easily Polamalu. Ward probably gets in. Rapesliberger has a chance. He's definitely behind Brady, Manning, Brees and Rogers, but he is solid and Brady is the only other with more then one ring.

 

Ward's greatly-aided by his having been a Steeler in this era, but in my book, he's in. A unique talent.