STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

by Ramona Dye

The top 10 dirtiest players in the NFL?

According to a Sports Illustrated poll of NFL players, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is considered to be the dirtiest player in the NFL.

SI asked 296 players of the NFL who they thought was the dirtiest players in the NFL and Hines Ward was voted "The dirtiest player in the NFL".

Following closely were former Steelers', Joey Porter, who now plays for the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Cincinnati Bengals safety Roy Williams, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae, Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, Rams guard Richie Incognito, Falcons guard Harvey Dahl, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Vikings defensive end Jared Allen finishing off the top ten. 

It i hard to imagine that the number one dirtiest player could be the always smiling receiver, Ward. Ward is our Steelers All-Time leading receiver in the history of our franchise.  Known for his "play hard" football attitude, Ward is known for his bone crushing blocks.

Hines Ward is one of the best blocking NFL wide receivers to ever play the game. Let's look at some of the ferocious hits and blocks Ward has delivered.

Everyone can remember the hit Hines Ward laid on Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers, which resulted in a broken jaw last year.

Following the season, the NFL instituted a rule dubbed the "Hines Ward Rule," which states that the initial force of a blindside block can nott be delivered by a helmet, forearm or shoulder to an opponent's head or neck. An illegal blindside block will bring a 15-yard penalty.

Hines Ward Jacks up Ed Reed~

Hines Ward Blocks

You got the Tom Brady Rule/ We have the Hines Ward Rule

More on Hines Ward