The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... After 14 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, endearing himself to the blue collar city with his gritty style of play, Hines Ward is calling it quits. Ward announced his retirement during a Tuesday news conference. "The city and this organization mean the world to me. So today, as sadly as it feels to me right now, I hope today will be a good day for everybody here," Ward said. "I don't want to play in any other uniform. The black and gold runs deep in me and I will remain a Steeler for life."

Diehards Line:Ward ends his career as the Steelers' all-time leading receiver, totaling 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards with 85 touchdowns. Ward was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL when he caught five passes for 123 yards with a touchdown. Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was released by the Steelers in February, as the team looked to get younger at the receiver spot and reduce its salary cap. Ward said that he had interest from other teams, but in the end he "couldn't picture myself playing in any other uniform."