“There are no words to describe how valuable Hines Ward has been to me."
—Teammate Ben Roethlisberger

“He is an extra lineman out there in the run game."
—Roethlisberger

"He’s a pro’s pro. He’s tough, he’s smart, he plays the game the right way. He’s the epitome of an NFL player."
—NFL veteran Greg Ellis

"He’s a self-made star—the most complete receiver in the NFL."
—Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher

"For our running game to go, he has to block. He’s that crucial. He’s just like an offensive lineman."
—Steelers assistant coach Bruce Arians

"We can’t win without him."
—Former teammate Joey Porter

"One thing you know is when you cover him, you’re going to have to make a lot of tackles."
—Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey

"He probably loves hitting people more than catching passes."
—NFL veteran Eric Hicks

"He’s the type of player you need on your team because of his character."
—Former Cowboys GM Gil Brandt

"I never look at him as a receiver. I look at him as a tough football player."
—NFL veteran Samari Rolle

"If he could have concentrated on one position, whoa—he would have really been something."
—College teammate Terrell Davis

"He’s no ordinary wide receiver. When it comes to blocking, he blocks like a tackle."
—Giants linebacker Danny Clark

"He is just blessed with physical talent. He is probably more powerful than people think. Like a boxer, he delivers a great blow with a short punch. That is just who he is. It is part of what makes him him."
—Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

"My life, I would say, has been a hard life and a sad life. But in my country, a mother cares for her first child."
—Kim Ward