FORT WORTH, Texas -- Howdy, Hines. Welcome to Big D.
Hines Ward was ready for a rodeo of a week leading up to the Super Bowl as he stepped off the Pittsburgh Steelers' charter flight when the team arrived in Dallas.
Pittsburgh's star wide receiver, who embraces his reputation as one of the league's most aggressive -- and some say, dirtiest -- players, was decked out in a big black cowboy hat, a black sequined Western-style shirt, blue jeans, boots and a Texas-sized silver belt buckle.
"I'm in Dallas, Texas," Ward said, smiling. "I wanted to put on my whole cowboy outfit and enjoy it. No nerves."
He sure looked loose, and almost like a native Texan. Not bad for a guy born in South Korea who grew up in Georgia and has played in Pittsburgh for 13 years.
"Where'd I find all this stuff?" an amused Ward asked, repeating a reporter's question. "A little place in Monroeville (Pa.). It's my little diamond in the rough there."
Ward and the rest of these Steelers are no strangers to the NFL's biggest stage, making their third Super Bowl trip in six years.
"We're enjoying this," Ward said. "We know right now that there are a lot of guys who would love to have this opportunity. Being here, there's a comfort level. We kind of know what to expect."
And, in Pittsburgh, titles are expected. The Steelers are looking to win the franchise's seventh league championship Sunday, when they take on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
"Just like last time when we were in this game, it's our intention to enjoy all of the elements that this week has in store for us and not fight against it," said Tomlin, looking for his second ring as the Steelers' coach. "Part of you is somewhat resistant to some of the things, but we're not going to make a negative out of what a wonderful week that we have awaiting us. We are going to embrace it all."
That includes all the hoopla that goes along with being one of the teams playing in the Super Bowl.
"You step off the plane and you've got helicopters, you've got police, media and then this," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "If you're not used to it, it could be overwhelming."
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