<
>

Ten years ago today, Steelers' Hines Ward ran wild in Super Bowl XL

That's right, it's been exactly 10 years since the Pittsburgh Steelers captured their fifth of six franchise Super Bowls, beating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10, Bill Cowher's first and only championship with the franchise.

On a February night in Detroit, Super Bowl XL had two worthy teams, the Rolling Stones as halftime performers and several controversial calls from officials that didn't go the Seahawks' way.

Those who witnessed the game remember the calls: A pushoff that negated a Matt Hasselbeck touchdown pass, Ben Roethlisberger's 1-yard touchdown run as the ball questionably crossed the plane, and a holding call on the Seahawks on a critical passing play in scoring range. The calls prompted then-coach Mike Holmgren to say after the game that he wasn't aware his team was playing the "guys in stripes."

Seattle still couldn't do one thing, though -- stop Hines Ward.

Ward was phenomenal that game. With 141 offensive yards, Ward accounted for 41 percent of the Steelers' offensive production that night. His 43-yard touchdown catch from receiver Antwaan Randle-El on a trick play basically sealed the win.

From Lynn Swann to Antonio Brown, the Steelers have showcased dynamic receivers who played the game beautifully. But the Steelers have never had a receiver with more versatility than Ward, who was a dynamic run-blocker and could rush the ball, as well. He gained 18 yards on a rush in that game.