Former Forest Park Star Ward Recognized

Hines Ward, a 10-year NFL veteran, is a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Former Forest Park High School star and University of Georgia standout Hines Ward has been announced as a finalist for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

The 10-year pro, who has spent each season of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joins Miami's Jason Taylor, Dallas' Jason Whitten and Kansas City's Brian Waters as a finalist.

"Being selected as a finalist for the 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year is a tremendous honor for me and for my foundation," Ward said in a statement. "My charitable efforts dually represent the values that my mother instilled in me as a young child and my desire to make the world a better place for all children, in particular those of mixed race who face discrimination in Korea.

"I hope my nomination raises even more awareness of this cause that is so near and dear to my heart." Ward started a foundation in 2006 to help assist biracial children in South Korea.