When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, you think of Hines Ward. He's the player who most epitomized the toughness and the attitude that the Steelers bring the the game each week. But that time has come to an end. Hines Ward has been released by the Steelers.

"Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998," said Art Rooney II, the president of the Steelers, "and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve.

The fantasy football season is more than halfway finished. Is your team ready to compete for a fantasy championship? If you need a little help, considering signing one of these waiver wire pickups for Week 9 of the 2011 fantasy football season.

QB Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Yeah, everyone hates Tarvaris Jackson.

Tom Brady has made a career out of owning the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Sunday, the Steelers finally got some revenge. While holding Brady in check and getting a great performance out of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers won by a final score of 25-17.

Roethlisberger finished 36-for-50 for 365 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Hines Ward is one of the toughest players in the NFL. However, unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he's not going to be able to play this week. Ward is suffering from a sprained ankle that forced him to sit out the fourth quarter of last week's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

Although he was listed as questionable all week, he wasn't able to even warm up before today's game.

Jerricho Cotchery wanted a new start after growing frustrated with his role in New York with the Jets. That new start will take place in Pittsburgh after the Steelers signed Jerricho Cotchery. Terms of the contract have yet to be revealed.

Honestly, I don't see how this role is any bigger than the role Jerricho Cotchery left in New York.