Hines Ward Rejected a Pittsburgh Steelers Return Because of Antonio Brown: “I Can’t Do This Unless…”

Antonio Brown has always been a bold personality. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the wide receiver in 2010. While the player was nothing short of a nuclear weapon for the offense, stories of his brazen behavior in the locker room are not a well-kept secret.

According to NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala, the player was even the root cause of why the organization could not bring the former Super Bowl-winning WR Hines Ward into the coaching staff.

Hines Ward is a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. After spending all of his playing days in the NFL, the wide receiver was an offensive intern in 2017. After the retirement of then-WR coach Richard Mann, Mike Tomlin wanted to bring on Ward to replace the departing coach.

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However, he never came on board. According to Kinkhabwala, AB played a part in his decision as well. As per the reporter, Ward told Tomlin, “I can’t do this unless I get to make the rules.”

How did Antonio Brown become an obstacle?

At that point in time, AB was at his peak and taking over the league. He was a crucial component in the Steelers‘ offense. And his off-the-field antics went toe to toe with his on-field performances. Making him one of the outlandish voices on the team.

This was not settling down well with Ward. The prospective coach wanted each and every player to be accountable and adhere to his rules. And AB was way beyond an obedient teammate.

Brown was one of the players in the league that was untouchable for their team. At any point of conflict, such a star player will get priority over their respective coach. Hence, Ward never came on board as the WR coach of the Steelers. Instead, they brought in Darryl Drake for the position in 2018.

How was Hines Ward as a Steelers?

Hines Ward was drafted in 1998. And spent 14 seasons with the organization, till 2011. In his years as a player. He was selected in 4 consecutive Pro Bowls. And also won two Super Bowls in 2005 and 2008. While in 2005, they also named him the Finals MVP.

The WR retired as a champion and wildly popular player for the organization. In 2019, he served as an Offensive Assistant Coach for the New York Jets. Later, becoming their WR coach for a season in 2020. He is currently the head coach for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL.

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