Gibson to join former Bulldog Ward in Pittsburgh

<p>Hines Ward gave Fred Gibson some encouraging advice about the NFL draft Sunday afternoon.</p><p>The two former Georgia receivers traded notes over the telephone after Ward's Pittsburgh Steelers picked Gibson in the fourth round.</p><p>Gibson, who hosted a disappointing party in his hometown of Waycross the day before, learned what Ward felt like in 1998, when he dropped all the way to the third round.</p><p>"He said it doesn't matter how quick you go," Gibson told The Macon Telegraph. "It's what you do when you get there."</p><p>Gibson was the only in-state player chosen on the second day of the draft as Georgia Tech had nobody chosen for the second time in three years. Safety James Butler, projected by some pre-draft publications as a third-rounder, and receiver Nate Curry missed the cut.</p><p>The Yellow Jackets, who watched as the Houston Texans made running back Tony Hollings a supplemental pick in 2003, had five players taken last year.</p><p>Gibson only hopes his career can match that of Ward, who ranks second in Pittsburgh history _ just 32 catches behind Hall of Fame inductee John Stallworth _ with 505 career receptions.</p><p>Coming off his fourth straight trip to the Pro Bowl, Ward surpassed Lynn Swann for third place on the franchise list of receiving yards leaders. Ward proved several teams were wrong to choose</p><p>"I'm sure Hines will be a big mentor to me and show me the ropes," Gibson said. "I'm just glad to go to Pittsburgh and be a part of a great team with a great tradition."</p><p>Gibson recovered quickly from the letdown he experienced when no NFL teams called him Saturday.</p><p>"It was real tough," Gibson said. "I was a little down yesterday of course, biggest day of my life and seeing my teammates go by. It was tough. It was a big shock to me. Things happen for a reason, nobody knows why it happened. Life is full of surprises. I'm just glad I got drafted."</p><p>The free-agent departure of Plaxico Burress, who signed last month with the New York Giants after teaming with Ward the last four years to cause matchup problems for Pittsburgh opponents, presents a great opportunity to Gibson.</p><p>"It's the perfect fit for me," Gibson said. "Plaxico went to the Giants, and they never got another receiver."</p><p>Due in part to spectacular play last season of rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers finished a league-best 15-1 in the regular season. Burress is gone, but Gibson must compete for snaps with Cedrick Wilson and Antwaan Randel El, who combined for 90 catches, 1,242 receiving yards and six touchdowns.</p><p>Gibson has all the motivation he needs after watching NFC champion Philadelphia make Reggie Brown, his friend and former teammate, a second-round pick.</p><p>"Once I get there, I'll just have to make people pay," he said. "Believe me, I've got the biggest chip on my shoulder in the world. I'm telling you, you don't understand. You don't even understand."</p>

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