body
Whereas, born on March 8, 1976, in Seoul, South Korea, Hines E. Ward, Jr., was determined to be the apple of his mother's eye; and
Whereas, under the guidance of Coach Mike Parris, Mr. Ward developed his athletic prowess at Forest Park High School in Forest Park, Georgia, being twice named Clayton County Offensive Player of the Year; and
Whereas, Mr. Ward made an impression as wide receiver for the University of Georgia Bulldogs between 1994 and 1997, achieving 149 career receptions for 1,965 yards, in addition to playing tailback and totaling 3,870 all-purpose yards, second only to Herschel Walker's history there, besides joining Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, and earning a bachelor's degree in consumer economics; and
WHEREAS, in spite of having no anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, due to a childhood bicycle accident, Hines Ward was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL draft, has since been named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Super Bowl XL, was a four-time Pro Bowler, and continues to amass amazing statistics, including receiving 901 passes - becoming only the 12th NFL player to surpass 900 career receptions, leading the team in all-time for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, and going on to rank as perhaps the greatest wide receiver in NFL history; and
Whereas, the devoted son of Young-He Ward, proud father of Jaden Hines Ward, and owner the South Side 86 bar, an upscale sports emporium, Mr. Ward was named the “2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year,” has met and befriended two U.S. Presidents and two Korean Presidents, founded Helping Hands Foundations in both the U.S. and Korea in addition to being active with a number of other foundations, and has been on the cover of more than a few magazines; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ward could have played baseball, as well, having been offered a $25,000 bonus to sign with the Florida Marlins during his senior year in college; and
WHEREAS, Hines Ward and K...
Click here for full text