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Hines Ward To Play For Rival Team?

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Shock continues to reverberate throughout Steelers nation about veteran wide receiver Hines Ward being cut from the team.

But there is another thing that could throw Steelers fans for an even bigger loop – Ward could conceivably end up playing for a rival team.

It was almost a full day removed from the end of the Hines Ward era with the Steelers, and the phone lines were still full on 93-7 The Fan's "Vinnie and Cook" show.

"When somebody leaves like that, I think there is a sadness about it," said The Fan host Vinnie Richichi.

One thousand career catches, two Super Bowl rings and a style that embodies the Steelers hard-nosed reputation cement the legacy of No. 86.

"He's just a great football player, so we have to respect that," said fan Larry Lee. "We definitely gave him enough love here. He gave us love back."

But could Ward be on one of the buses arriving at the visitor's entrance at Heinz Field next year, playing for the opposition?

"If he comes strolling back here in a Baltimore uniform, it's not 'so what' for fans," said Richichi.

"I don't care if he comes back with Baltimore, New England, or whoever," said The Fan host Ron Cook.

Playing for another NFL team is one thing. But how would people react to Ward in Ravens purple?

"He just violated right there, he can't go to the Ravens. He wouldn't do that. If he did and we lost because of his touchdown? That's what the Rooneys get," said Lee.

"I don't think anyone would like that very much at all," said Karen O'Donnell of South Hills. "I don't think it would be a good reception."

"I don't even know if the uniform would go on, it might just melt as soon as it touches his body. I don't think that would fly at all," said fan Zac Kirkpatrick.

It may all just be a Steeler fan's worst nightmare, but it is much more possible now than it was 48 hours ago.

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