[And if anyone still insists on believing the Steelers aren’t competitive when it comes to paying their players, Ward answered that as well.] I think they went out of their way, ... This (contract) was far more than what I expected.

I don't know how (the Seahawks) can feel disrespected when everybody had them going to the Super Bowl, anyway. We feel like we're the underdog. Nobody was talking about us. For us to do what we have done, people want to jump on the bandwagon now.

When you're that No. 1 seed, teams are gunning for you, everybody wants to be that team to knock you off. For us, we get a chance to face the No. 1 team for a second time this year, so let's see what happens.

I think when Champ intercepted that ball and ran it all the way back and (almost) scored, Denver had the game in control.

Ben actually looked to the left and I had a hitch route. It was only about six yards, so when he came back to me, I kind of figured Champ was driving on me and that's not how you want to start the game, with a pick for a touchdown.

When I signed the deal, I wasn't a Pro Bowl player, ... To go to four straight Pro Bowls, you deserve some type of raise. They said, 'Come into camp and we'll continue negotiations,' and that's why I'm here.