Steelers, Ward agree to contract extension

Sports Network | April 27, 2009

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Steelers have agreed to terms with longtime wide receiver Hines Ward on a five-year contract extension, allowing one of the storied franchise's most notable players to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Multiple national media outlets are reporting the contract is worth up to $22 million and will allow the Steelers to spread out his signing bonus for salary cap purposes.

"Hines has been a tremendous leader for us both on and off the field over the past 11 seasons," said Steelers president Art Rooney II. "We are pleased to know Hines will finish his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler."

Ward helped the Steelers capture an NFL-record sixth Super Bowl championship last season in a thrilling 27-23 victory over Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII. The 12-year veteran logged 81 catches for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 regular-season games in 2008.

In 170 career regular-season contests, the University of Georgia product has a franchise-records in receptions (800), yards (9,780) and touchdowns (72).