Hines Ward played college football at the University of Georgia. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and he became the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown receptions. Ward was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL, and upon retirement was one of only thirteen NFL players to have 1,000 or more career receptions.
This November 15, 2004 issue of Sports Illustrated was signed in black by Ward and includes a Great Moments COA.