There was one interesting tidbit of information buried in the stats of Sunday's Ravens-Steelers game at Heinz Field.

Did anybody realize Hines Ward is 12th in NFL history in career receptions?

When did this happen?

I knew Ward was a workhorse, but when I looked up the numbers later, I couldn't believe the efficiency he's had in his career.

After Sunday's game, Ward has 907 catches for 11,112 yards and 79 touchdowns, all team records His yardage is 24th NFL history, which also is an amazing feat.

Ward is 13 catches behind Torry Holt, 28 behind Randy Moss and 33 behind Art Monk. With Ben Roethlisberger back at quarterback, Ward could move as high as eighth on the list before the end of the season.

Former Buffalo Bill Andre Reed has 951 catches, just 44 catches ahead of the Steeler. From there, the remaining seven players have eclipsed the 1,000-catch plateau, a club that Ward could join next season.

Who could have imagined — other than maybe Ward himself — when he was picked in the third round out of Georgia in the 1998 draft, that he could have made himself one of the top receivers in league history?

Now in his 13th season, ward has played in 193 of 196 games, missing only one game in the 2005 season and two games the following year.

His name is listed throughout the Steelers record book.

He was the Super Bowl XL MVP, a four-time Pro Bowler and had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (2001-04).

His monster season was 2002, when he set personal bests in receptions (112), yards (1,329) and touchdowns (12), the first and third being team records.

To show his ability, Ward didn't post another 1,000-yard season until 2008 and 2009. Last season, his 95 catches and 1,167 yards equaled his second-best total in both categories.

But what sets Ward apart from other receivers is his tenacity. Unlike receivers who just run their routes when the play doesn't involve them, Ward always stays involved.

His downfield blocking and hitting as a receiver revolutionized the position.

A receiver who can block downfield and isn't afraid to do so, Ward set the standard for lot of coaches look seek in an extra blocker.

That's classic Ward. He's the guy you could see in those old grainy NFL Films throwing blocks that spring players for the 70-yard runs.

Ward has always been the consummate pro, showing up to work every day with a smile on his face — much to the chagrin of his opponents — and asking nothing more from anyone than what he would do.

Maybe that shouldn't come as no surprise that he's among the all-time greats.