The Steelers aren't just going to release the franchise's leading receiver. They're going to say goodbye to a player who epitomized the grit of the organization.

Hines Ward was never the face of the franchise, although his smirk did drive opponents crazy. He was the soul of the Steelers for the past 14 years, from making the tough catches in the red zone to knocking defenders off their feet with a devastating block.

The Steelers had already replaced Ward in the lineup this season with the emergence of Antonio Brown, but it will take a while for the team to replace what he meant to the team and the city of Pittsburgh.

Hines Ward was named MVP of Super Bowl XL after catching five passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in a Steelers' victory. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

While this move had been speculated since the season ended, it doesn't remove the sting of Wednesday's announcement. There will be a feeling like something is missing when you don't see No. 86 on the sideline or on the field.

To Pittsburgh fans, Ward will be remembered as one of the most beloved Steelers. To everyone else, he was the player you loved to hate.

“We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998 and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve. He has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field, and we appreciate his efforts over the past 14 years. Hines’ accomplishments are numerous, and he will always be thought of as one of the all-time great Steelers. We wish him nothing but the best.”

The release of Ward will save the Steelers nearly $4 million in much-needed salary-cap space. Ward had talked about taking a pay cut to remain with the team that drafted him in the third round in 1998. It is unknown if the Steelers approached him about a pay reduction.

This will be the end of Ward's career with the Steelers, but possibly not the end of his career. Ward has repeatedly said he doesn't plan to retire, and the logical landing spot for him is in Arizona, where he would reunite with former offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

Ward, who turns 36 on March 8, leaves the Steelers as their all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), receiving touchdowns (85) and 100-yard receiving games (29). He is the eighth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions and joined only Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice as the only two players in league history to post 1,000 career catches and win multiple Super Bowls.

His most memorable performance came in Super Bowl XL, where he was named Most Valuable Player in the Steelers' 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He caught five passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.