Costa Welcomes Hines Ward to Senate

On May 22, I had the opportunity to talk to the Senate about former Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward. The Senate recognized his significant charity work and his effort to remain involved in the Pittsburgh community following his retirement from football.

A resolution honoring Hines' work was voted on the floor of the Senate. » View Resolution

In a floor speech and remarks read into the Senate Journal, I noted that Hines Ward was a Super Bowl MVP who made 1000 receptions in his career. As important, I said that Hines “is a community MVP… he is an outstanding ambassador” who has “sought to make a difference in the lives of others.

“He was voted the 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year…works with the Helping Hands Foundation, the Caring Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Salvation Army, Make a Wish, Children’s Hospital, Highmark Caring Foundation and Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

Hines Ward returned to South Korea where he was born and in 2006 he spent two months there trying to usher in a new period of political reform. He was appointed Goodwill Ambassador to South Korea.”

I noted that President Obama has called him the “Happiest Man in Football.”

Hines is, perhaps, the greatest Steeler receiver in history who came up big in the biggest games.

As part of my remarks, I commented specifically on his play against Steelers’ rival Cleveland Browns, “Hines Ward is a legendary football player, who tormented the Cleveland Browns, among other teams.

"He is a Pro-bowler, a future Hall of Famer and a legend in scholastic sports in his home state of Georgia and at the University of Georgia.”

“Hines Ward is a tremendous Steeler. He is a tremendous teammate and a tremendous person,” I said on the floor, a real community asset who has made a difference for folks in the Pittsburgh area.

Hines Ward is pictured on the Senate floor with me and several of my Senate colleagues from Allegheny County and around the state.

Hines Ward is pictured on the Senate floor with me and several of my
Senate colleagues from Allegheny County and around the state.

Pictured Left to Right: Sens. John Bake, Tim Solobay, Jim Ferlo, Jay Costa,
Wayne Fontana, Jim Brewster, Richard Kasunic, and Lisa Boscola

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