I never thought that I’d see the day that Hines Ward’s cheap shots were no longer wanted in Pittsburgh.  Who would have thought that the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL MVP would be forced out and looking for work?

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers officials never approached Ward about taking a pay cut and returning in 2012.  Which means (as Jamison Hensely at ESPN.com points out), the Steelers decision to part ways with Ward wasn’t based on money, but rather his declining performance.

Ward’s play was discussed on the BSR Podcast this week as Patrick Guthrie pointed out that he performs better in running offenses.  Guthrie theorizes that the Steelers, like most teams in the NFL, have focused more on the passing game and thinks that had much to do with their decision to let Ward go.

Ward doesn’t think his playing does are over.  He told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he still has more football left in him.  “I am looking forward to playing in the NFL again this upcoming season.”

It just won’t be in Pittsburgh.