While his former teammates were going through the first of 10 OTAs, Hines Ward was in Harrisburg being praised by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and members of the state legislature "as someone who has used his celebrity status to do great things."
Ward, who was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams with the Steelers, who was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL, who won the mirror ball trophy while competing on "Dancing with the Stars," said from the floor of the Senate, "This is the coolest thing ever."
While in Harrisburg on May 22, Ward, who announced his retirement a couple of months ago, received a proclamation from the governor, and both chambers of the General Assembly introduced resolutions to honor his accomplishments in football and his work within the community.
"I wanted to represent not only the city of Pittsburgh but the whole state of Pennsylvania," said Ward during a news conference in Harrisburg. "I only thought that I had fans in Pittsburgh, but Steelers Nation is all over. For me, it's great to be recognized all over the state of Pennsylvania. You guys have given me so much. Today is a big honor."
Ward spent his time in Harrisburg talking to Corbett and then posing for photos with the governor and other members of the legislature.
"He has represented what I think are the finest attributes of a team player and a hard worker," said Corbett. "Hines has really become part of the fabric of Western Pennsylvania."
