Fansided

10 NFL players who would dominate in any era

By Russell S. Baxter

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the football against safety Reggie Nelson #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals after catching a pass during a game at Heinz Field on December 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 35-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the football against safety Reggie Nelson #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals after catching a pass during a game at Heinz Field on December 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 35-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

3. WR Hines Ward

He is one of only 14 players in NFL history to catch at least 1,000 passes. He is also considered one of the great overall performers at his position because of his versatility and his willingness to take on defenders in a big way.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward didn’t make a lot of friends while he was on the field for the Black and Gold for 14 seasons from 1998-2011. A third-round pick from the University of Georgia, he became one of the league’s most consistent performers at his position and his willingness to sacrifice his body on offense was a vital part of his game.

Ward had a nose for the goal line and the first-down marker and made his share of vital receptions that not only put points on the board but also helped move the chains. His catch total was exactly 1,000 with the Steelers, good for 12,083 yards and 85 scores.

Ward was also part of eight teams that reached the playoffs and in 18 postseason contests, he rolled up 88 grabs for 1,181 yards and 10 touchdowns. Just as importantly, Ward’s signature smile was also complemented by his signature blocking, a huge part of his impressive career.

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