The best Steelers veteran seasons of the Colbert era

Hines Ward

2009 Notable Stats: 95 receptions, 1167 yards, 6 TDs

One of the most beloved Steelers of his era, Hines Ward was a receiver who made his living off of his physicality and sharp route running. This makes it slightly less surprising that he had such a good season when he was 33 (in 2009) since he used other elements than just speed to win. Still, though, WRs usually begin to decline after they turn 30, so the fact Ward put up nearly 1200 yards and 6 TDs is nothing to sneeze at.

While 2009 wasn’t his best year as a Steeler (that would have to be 2002), Ward was still a credible threat for the Steelers that late into his career. While he was slowly being phased out by the future “young money crew”, he was still efficient enough to be the primary starter for the Steelers. Even more, 2009 marked his last elite season for the Steelers, as injuries and age had caught up to him in his final two seasons afterward.

Ward’s 2009 season was highlighted with his second-most receiving yards in a season (behind the aforementioned 2002 season) and his fourth-highest catch percentage at 69.3 percent. While Ward may not make the Hall of Fame, his age 33 season shows that he was still a dangerous receiver late into his career. No matter what, Ward showed that he could still produce at a position it is hard for veterans to produce at.