Former Steelers Running Back Shares Story Of A Youthful Antonio Brown Shadowing Veteran Hines Ward

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history that is headlined by many amazing players. The organization is one of the best in the entire NFL when it comes to finding talent at various positions. One position they have been very good at scouting over the years is wide receiver, and the Steelers seem to always find guys that can excel at the position no matter where they are drafted.

Steelers Legend Hines Ward Used To Mentor Antonio Brown

Some great examples of the Steelers finding gems at the receiver position late in the NFL Draft are both Hines Ward and Antonio Brown. Ward was selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft and 12 years later, the Steelers selected Brown in the sixth round in 2010. Ward was still with the Steelers at that time, as he played through the 2011 season. Brown had two seasons to learn from Ward, and in an interview with VladTV, former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall shared how Brown took full advantage of it during his early days in the league.

"If somebody's speaking, he's really listening. You can feel him taking it in. For a young guy that's a distinguishable trait. He pays attention, you'd always find him soaking in wisdom, you'd always find him around Hines Ward. Early thoughts of him were he was very intelligent, like a sponge."

Brown did the right thing, making it a priority to learn from a guy like Ward. Ward was one of the best, and most consistent receivers in the 2000s. He won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL. Ward and Brown's career numbers are eerily similar, as they sit just three spots away from one another on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list and six spots away in career receiving touchdowns. 

Ward accomplished a lot of playoff success in his career, unfortunately, Brown cannot say the same. He did eventually win a Super Bowl, but it was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Brown and Ward went to a Super Bowl together in 2010, but lost to the Green Bay Packers. This was Brown's rookie year and when he was primarily just a returner. 

Brown has been in the headlines a lot for his actions off of the football field, and even for some of his actions on the football field. His career in the NFL ended when he walked off the field shirtless in the middle of a game for the Buccaneers in 2021. He certainly has some issues he needs to work out, and his legacy has been tainted due to the way he has handled himself. The way he has acted since the end of his career has made many curious about how he was when he first entered the league, which Mendenhall explained. 

"His story is unique. He shares it with Tom [Brady], being drafted in the sixth round. Him being so far in the draft, he's one of those guys you don't naturally pay attention to. You think he's a guy who could be here today, gone tomorrow. But from the time he got in there, he stood out. In practice everyday he was torching our number one corners."

Steelers played didn't know what to expect from the sixth-round pick, but he quickly made an impression. He was obviously extremely talented on the field, and soaked up all the knowledge he could from Ward to become the best player he could be. Both receivers have the potential to be Hall Of Famers. Ward has been a semifinalist for the Hall Of Fame for the last eight years, and is patiently awaiting his chance to earn his spot in Canton. Brown has yet to be eligible for the Hall Of Fame, players have to wait five years after they retire. Based on Brown's career alone, he should be a Hall Of Famer, but his off-the-field issues could ruin his chances.