Hines Ward, the former Pittsburgh Steelers great. How perfect is that?
Ward, hired as a coaching intern in training camp, arrived on Monday and gravitated toward Anderson, a talented, but still-developing wide receiver. In Ward, he has a personal tutor who played with attitude, toughness and intelligence -- a role model who has succeeded in his post-football life.
The Jets already have a well-respected receivers coach in Shawn Jefferson, a fine receiver in his day, but general manager Joe Douglas reached out to Ward, hoping he could bring another perspective.
"It's a great resource," Anderson said of Ward. "He's done it at a high level consistently. He's a future Hall of Famer. Like, what else can I ask for?"
This is a huge year for Anderson, who will be a free agent after the season. If he can find consistency, he can set himself up for life. He's displaying signs of maturity -- no trouble in the offseason for a change -- and he can cement his future with a big season.
Ward was a physical player -- some called him dirty -- and he can help Anderson develop some nasty. He needs some of that in his game. He also needs to expand and refine his route tree. Ward, 43, who retired after the 2011 season with 1,000 receptions, was a masterful route runner.
"I'm picking his brain," Anderson said. "He's telling me more than I'm asking him. He's staying on top of me, just trying to find ways to get me better each and every way."
