NFL Players Say Ward Needs A Good Scrubdown

NFL News - November 4th, 2009 - Written by John

Hines Ward is considered to be one of the NFL's toughest players, putting his body on the line with downfield blocks and tackles, and rarely avoids confrontation.

Some of his antics have crossed the line, so say his colleagues, as he was named the dirtiest players in the league in a recent player poll. The revelation comes in a spread printed by Sports Illustrated, which routinely puts out rankings and polls created by players to single out the hidden personalities of the league.

A recent poll named Brett Favre the most-overrated as voted by NFL players.

Ward received 11.6-percent of the vote, according to ProFootballTalk. The poll was given at the start of training camp earlier this year, and asked "Who is the dirtiest player in the league?" It appeared to be a simple question after Ward created a stir around the league for his crack-back blocks on unknowing defenders.

It sparked debate on several sports news outlets, questioning the integrity of the play on a defender who typically has his focus turned in the other direction. The wideout has knocked several players out of games, yet defends his actions on being part of the game. He also said that defenders are out to get him, why shouldn't he get them first?

At one point this season, Ward was the NFL's leading receiver, but has since fallen to fifth with 602 yards.

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was recently signed for over $100 million in the off-season, was voted second. He was recently featured on ESPN's E:60 program, in which Rachel Nichols investigated his turbulent past that included stomping on another players exposed head after a play.

Behind him was Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter at third, Bengals safety Roy Williams and Titans center Kevin Mawae.

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